Posted by Lisa Brookfield on 3/25/2016 to Buying Guides
If you are unsure what cremation urns should cost, you are not alone. Urns are not a regular purchase -- most people don’t know what to expect to pay. There are many factors that can affect the price of an urn: material, size, personalization, destination, etc.. At Stardust Memorials, we sell urns in the price range of $12 - $500 with an average cost of approximately $100 including engraving.


Here are the most common issues that can affect the cost of a cremation urn. 

Material influences the price of a cremation urn

Stone, Marble, and Cultured Marble are popular cremation urn materials with a traditional, timeless appeal. You should expect to pay an average price of $210 for an adult sized urn (before engraving) in these sturdy choices. 

Brass & Aluminum Urns for Ashes come in many colors and finishes -- giving the broadest range of styles for a cremation urn. An average cost for a metal urn with engraving and a velvet urn storage bag is approximately $150.

Ceramic, Glass, & Cloisonne Cremation Urns are handcrafted by skilled artisans and require hands-on techniques resulting in masterful works of art. You can expect to pay accordingly with the prices for these unique cremation urns running from $200 - $450. 


Size also affects the price of urns

Keepsake, Medium, Adult, & Extra Large are the typical size options in cremation urns. For $30, you can purchase a metal keepsake urn with engraving. These mini urns hold a small amount of ashes and are helpful when sharing ashes among family members. (Read more about keepsake urns). An adult cremation urn from Stardust Memorials typically costs under $150. These is a 15% - 25% increase in price to size up to an extra large urn for ashes. 


What is the final destination of the urn?

Will you be displaying it at home? If you wish to keep the ashes of a loved one in your home, you may want to consider your decorating style in addition to how the cremation urn will reflect the life and personality of your family member. Vintage styled clock cremation urn, modern metal urns for ashes, and rustic handmade ceramic urns are just some of the styles available to you.

Maybe you are going to bury the urn at a cemetery? You will need to research the rules of the cemetery you have chosen. Some cemeteries require that you purchase an urn vault to protect the urn from damage while buried. Depending on the size and material of an urn vault, you can expect an added $100 - $200 on top of the cost of the urn. Though not related to the cost of the urn you select, there are added costs to consider with burial. There is the actual burial cost and the grave marker if you plan to have one.

Placing an urn in a columbarium will require a few steps prior to purchasing the urn, but a little up-front homework can save you from making expensive mistakes. Know the size of the niche at the columbarium and check to make sure your chosen urn will fit. Stardust Memorials has a simple wood niche urn for $149.99 sized to fit in most columbariums or mausoleum niches. Remember there is also the cost of purchasing the niche for the urn. Niche fees can vary greatly depending on location ranging from $350 - $2,500.

If scattering the ashes, you can use any container you wish to transport ashes to a scattering place, but you should check your local laws on disposing of cremated remains if you are on public land or water. A scattering urn or tube can help make this process simpler and dignified, as they are designed with this purpose in mind. Typically lightweight, available in a range of styles, and recyclable after use, a scattering urn can be an appropriate choice for a memorial scattering ceremony. The average cost for an adult scattering urn on our website is $100.

It’s a lot to think about, we know. But, we are here to help. If you find you have more questions about pricing and choosing the best urn for your family member, you can contact our urn experts via phone, email, or even Facebook. Our customer service team is available 8:00 am - 8:00 pm EST Monday through Friday and 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST on the weekend by phone. You can also find more good information on purchasing cremation urns for ashes in these articles and buying guides. 

Sources: 
http://personalfinance.costhelper.com/cremation.html