After the cremation of a loved one, when it comes to choosing a columbarium, the price may vary depending on various factors. At Stelae we will tell you what options are available and how to make the best decision.
Definition of a columbarium: what is it and how does it function?
What is a columbarium? A columbarium is a type of niche used solely to house the ashes of a loved one. As such, they are small burial units.
Columbarium is a word that comes from the Latin ‘columba’, which means ‘dove’. Its small size, which resembles a pigeon's nest, is what gives it its name.
Factors that influence the price of a columbarium
The price of a columbarium for the ashes of your loved one can be influenced by a number of factors which should be taken into account when calculating the cost of a funeral service:
- Location. It is usual for columbariums in the cemeteries of larger cities to be more expensive than in rural areas. Furthermore, the price tends to vary from one city to another.
- Type of columbarium. There are various options for columbariums in cemeteries and each has its own associated price.
- Size of the niche. Sometimes a columbarium is intended for more than one urn, which will incur a higher cost. The larger the columbarium, the higher the price will be.
- Additional services. Additional funeral services such as a memorial plaque, niche maintenance or a farewell ceremony for your loved one will represent additional costs.
- Concession. The length of the concession period of the columbarium also influences the price. Each cemetery has its own options in this regard, offering the option of renewal at the end of the concession period.
Types of columbarium: budget and luxury options
There are different types of columbarium, from the simplest to the most luxurious options. As we have already seen in the previous section, this will also have an impact on the price of the columbarium, so it is important that you are aware of the possible options available:
- Location: cemetery, church, memorial garden, etc.
- Property: private, owned, rented.
- Number of people: individual or for several urns.
- Size: large, medium, small.
- Material: wood, marble, granite, etc.
- Structure: visible front, concealed front.
There are more and more options when it comes to choosing a type of columbarium, although the choice will depend on the specific options offered by the cemetery.
What does the price of a columbarium include?
As we have already seen, the price of a columbarium can vary depending on a number of factors. The right of use is included in a basic fee, but the period will depend on the options available.
Generally, ornaments, administrative procedures, permits, maintenance and the cremation service itself will not be included, unless you find a funeral company that offers these services.
At Stelae we have different burial options for the ashes of your loved one. Depending on the type of service you choose, different elements can be added to our direct cremation service such as transfers, legal paperwork, the urn or even the engraving on a memorial wall in the cemetery.
Columbarium for ashes: how to choose the best one for your loved ones?
When it comes to deciding on a columbarium, price is a major factor for families. Therefore, your budget is the first thing to consider.
This will influence other aspects, such as the choice between an individual or collective columbarium, large or small, choice of material used, or whether it will be owned or rented.
The preferences of each family, the last will of the deceased person, the existence or not of a funeral insurance policy, the geographical location, etc. also play fundamental roles in this. Finding the right balance between all these factors will be key in allowing you to make the best decision.
Benefits of using a columbarium for ashes
Choosing a columbarium for the ashes of our loved one offers benefits such as:
- It helps to optimise space in cemeteries.
- It is more hygienic from a public health point of view.
- It is more cost-effective than other types of graves and maintenance is also cheaper.
- It is easier to obtain.
- They are found not only in cemeteries but also in other places, such as churches or even football stadiums.
Of all the factors to consider when choosing a columbarium, price is usually one of the most important. For many families, the death of a loved one can be very costly and often comes at an unexpected time. Choosing a columbarium is more affordable and adapts to family, cultural and religious preferences of all kinds. For this reason, there is an ever increasing demand for it.
