Cremation is fast becoming the preferred choice of many families in America today. There are several reasons for this including environmental concerns, religious beliefs and of course the costs. Cremations are generally far less expensive than traditional funeral burial services.

The costs of a cremation can vary much in the US depending on which State you live in and what type of memorial service, if any, is required. The actual cremation usually takes place after there has been a funeral service and the cremated ashes are then given to family in an Urn. The type of container or Urn can make a huge difference to the costs.

Direct cremations, in which there is no service included, is by far the least expensive option. The cremated ashes can be kept in an Urn, keepsake or scattered in a favorite place of the deceased. The ashes can also be buried or entombed at a local cemetery where other familiy members are.

Cremations in the US accounted for over 28% of all funerals in 2004.