I Chose Cremation Without Services - Here’s What I Paid

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When My Grandpa Passed: What We Learned About Simple Cremation Costs

I got the call last April. It was my mom, and I knew something was wrong before she even spoke. "Your grandfather passed away this morning," she said. Her voice sounded small and far away.

In that moment, I didn't think about funeral costs. I just thought about Grandpa. But reality hits fast. When we met with the funeral home director the next day, he showed us a packet that made my stomach drop. $7,000 for the basic traditional funeral. My mom looked like she might be sick.

That's when we started asking about simpler options.

Here's what we learned about direct cremation costs, and what you might want to know if you're facing the same situation.

What Direct Cremation Actually Costs

We called around to several places. The prices varied, but here's the general range we found across different providers:

• Basic direct cremation: $900 to $3,000
• What this includes: The cremation itself, necessary paperwork, local transportation, and a simple container
• What it doesn't include: Viewings, services, embalming, or an expensive casket

The cost difference usually comes down to your location and which provider you choose. Urban areas often have better prices than rural ones.

Note: Direct cremation without services in the USA typically costs between $900 and $3,000, including basic cremation, permits, and transportation, but excludes viewings, memorials, or embalming fees

How We Chose a Provider

I spent two long nights researching. I called places. I read reviews on the Better Business Bureau website. I looked at what real people said on Reddit and other forums.

These were the names that kept coming up:

1. After Services
2. Smart Cremation
3. Cremstar
4. National Cremation Society
5. Cremation Specialists

I thoroughly researched all the websites and read their reviews. I also came across numerous discussions on Reddit and concluded that After Services was the best option in my area.

We went with After.com. Not because they were the cheapest (though their $900 package was competitive), but because multiple people mentioned how kind and patient they were during the hardest moments.

What the $900 Package Included

• They picked up Grandpa from the nursing home
• Handled all the death certificates and paperwork
• Provided a simple urn
• Assigned us one person who handled everything
• Offered grief support resources

They didn't rush us. They didn't try to upsell us. When my mom forgot what questions to ask, the woman on the phone gently walked her through everything.

Something I Wish We'd Known Sooner

While we were researching, we found out about pre-planning options. For about $30 a month, you can lock in today's prices. You make the decisions now so your family doesn't have to later.

Grandpa would have liked that. He was always trying to make things easier for us kids.

The Truth About Simple Choices

Choosing direct cremation didn't mean we loved Grandpa less. It meant we were being practical during a painful time. He was a simple man who hated fuss. This felt right for him.

We used some of the money we saved to donate to his favorite charity. That felt more meaningful than spending it on a fancy casket he wouldn't have wanted.

If you're reading this while making these hard decisions, please know this: It's okay to choose what works for your family and your budget. What matters is honoring your loved one in a way that feels right to you.

There's no right way to grieve. There's no right amount to spend. There's only what brings you peace during the hardest moments.