4 Ways to Have an Affordable Cremation

Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. • December 12, 2022

Cremation costs less than a burial, but there are ways to keep the cost down without compromising the final farewell you want for your loved one. Here’s how. 

Unionville, PA, cremation service

When someone dies, the last thing on your mind is how you will afford the Unionville, PA, cremation service. However, these things aren’t something you can put off until later. 


Cremation costs vary depending on several factors. As such, it’s advisable to understand your options so that you can choose an affordable cremation plan for your loved one. If you would like to learn more about affordable cremations, read on. 


Research your options 


The first thing you should do before choosing a cremation plan is to research your options. There are many things goes into cremation funeral planning that you can lower your expenses through a smart combination of affordable services. 


For instance, if you want a viewing, you can rent the casket instead of buying one. You also don’t have to buy an urn. In the end, an urn is a container. Instead of a few hundred dollars on an urn, you can make one yourself or use a plastic container from home. 


Prices also differ among funeral homes and cremation providers. Don’t settle for the first funeral home you find. Shop around to find a provider with pricing that works for you. 


Pre-plan the cremation 


This only applies if you don’t need the cremation immediately. Pre-planning is a perfect way to lower your cremation costs if you’ve got a few months or years before the passing. 


Pre-planning means making funeral arrangements ahead of death. The cost-benefit is the lack of urgency in the process allows you to shop around for better deals. Also, you avoid paying for unnecessary services, which is more likely when you’re more emotionally distraught. 


Another benefit of pre-planning is discounts. Funeral homes offer discounts to pre-planners because it guarantees future business. The most significant advantage is you can pay in installments. No matter the costs, you can pay in affordable bits over a period. 


Choose a basic cremation 


If you want to keep the costs to a minimum, it’s best to choose a basic cremation plan. Direct cremation involves transporting the body to the crematorium from the place of death, paperwork, and the cremation itself. 


There’s no viewing, funeral service, or wake. The body goes to the crematorium immediately after death, and cremation takes place within 48 hours. On average, direct cremation costs less than one-fifth the price of a traditional cremation. 


Have the ashes scattered or buried instead of a memorial service 


Some people may want a formal memorial service after the cremation. If you have to keep the costs to a minimum, you might want to consider having the ashes buried or scattered. 


This type of service is much less expensive than a formal memorial service. If you want to have the ashes buried, you’ll have to pay for a plot at a cemetery and an urn. You may have to pay for transportation and a permit if you wish to scatter the ashes. 


All in all, having a simple service after the cremation is much less expensive than having a formal memorial service. 


You can also reach out to us for affordable cremation services in Unionville, PA. We will be happy to go over all your options and answer any questions you may have. Call us now. Our line is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. 


cremation services in West Grove, PA
By Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. January 26, 2026
Planning cremation requires careful choices. Avoid common mistakes by understanding options, timing, documentation, and provider selection for a smoother process.
funeral homes in West Grove, PA
By Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. January 19, 2026
A thoughtful funeral service provides meaning, emotional support, and lasting remembrance while helping families honor life and strengthen community connections.
cremation services in Kennett Square, PA
By Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. January 12, 2026
A clear explanation of cremation, outlining what it involves, how the process works, and what families can expect when choosing this option.
funeral homes in Kennett Square, PA
By Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. January 5, 2026
Funerals provide structure, meaning, and connection for families choosing simple services while honoring life, memory, and shared community values.
cremation services in Landenberg, PA
By Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. December 29, 2025
An in-depth look at modern cremation alternatives, sustainability options, and thoughtful choices for families in Landenberg. Guidance for informed planning.
funeral homes in Landenberg, PA
By Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. December 22, 2025
A detailed look at the advantages and disadvantages of traditional funerals, helping families evaluate meaningful service options in Landenberg, PA.
cremation services in Unionville, PA
By Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. December 15, 2025
A clear and helpful guide to cremation packages, their typical components, service options, and how families can make informed decisions with confidence.
funeral homes in Unionville, PA
By Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. December 1, 2025
Guidance on paying for a funeral, including Social Security and VA benefits, county assistance, nonprofit aid, payment plans, and practical next steps.
cremation services in Chadds Ford Township, PA
By Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. November 24, 2025
Memorializing after cremation offers families meaningful ways to grieve, heal, and celebrate life through lasting, personalized tributes.
funeral homes Chadds Ford Township, PA
By Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. November 17, 2025
Normalize open family discussions about death and funerals to reduce stress, ease decision-making, and ensure wishes are respected when the time comes.