Metal Urns
Metal urns are available in materials such as brass, aluminum, and stainless steel, with a variety of shapes and finishes.
Pre-need cremation planning
Cremation Plans in Los Angeles, CA
Explore direct, memorial, and traditional cremation options with guidance in English or Spanish. SoCal Funeral Plans helps you understand your choices and plan at your own pace.
Hablamos inglés y español.
What Is Cremation?
Read a short explanation of cremation
Cremation is a process that uses heat to reduce a person's remains to bone fragments, which are then processed into what are commonly called ashes. These cremated remains can be placed in an urn, and families can consider keeping them at home, arranging cemetery placement, or other permitted options.
Cremation options
Explore Your Cremation Options
These descriptions explain general service categories. They are not confirmed package inclusions, and not every listed option is included or provided directly by SoCal Funeral Plans.
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is a simpler arrangement without a viewing or funeral service with the body present beforehand. Families may choose to hold a separate gathering later.
- A straightforward option without a preceding viewing.
- Often involves fewer service elements than a traditional funeral.
- A separate memorial can be considered afterward.
Cremation With a Memorial Service
A memorial service takes place after cremation and gives family and friends an opportunity to gather and remember. The urn may be present, depending on the family's wishes and the arrangements.
- A gathering after cremation.
- Opportunities for readings, music, and shared memories.
- Timing and setting discussed with the provider.
Traditional Funeral With Cremation
This option combines a funeral service before cremation with a more traditional farewell. A viewing or visitation may also be arranged, depending on the selected services and provider requirements.
- A funeral service before cremation.
- Viewing or visitation options to discuss.
- Room for personal, cultural, or faith preferences.
Choosing cremation
Is Cremation Right for Your Plans?
Cremation may suit people who prefer simpler arrangements, want to gather at a later date, or would like to explore different options for an urn. The right choice depends on your wishes, family traditions, and the arrangements you select.
Prefer a simpler arrangement
Explore Direct CremationWant a gathering after cremation
Explore Memorial CremationPrefer a funeral before cremation
Explore Traditional Cremation
This is a decision guide, not a suitability score. We do not frame cremation as appropriate only for a particular age, income, religion, ethnicity, or family situation.
Understanding costs
How Cremation Can Help Reduce Funeral Expenses
Direct cremation can cost less than a traditional full-service funeral because it involves fewer service elements. Your total depends on the provider, selected services, urn, transportation, and any cemetery arrangements.
| Planning Choice | Direct Cremation | Traditional Funeral With Burial |
|---|---|---|
| Viewing or visitation | Not part of direct cremation | May be selected for a traditional funeral |
| Casket or container | An alternative cremation container may be used | A burial casket is commonly selected |
| Cemetery space | Not needed when the urn is kept at home | Usually needed for cemetery burial |
| Opening and closing a grave | Not needed when the urn is kept at home | Typically applies to cemetery burial |
| Separate memorial gathering | Optional | Depends on the selected arrangement |
This compares different arrangements, not identical packages. Cemetery placement, memorial services, merchandise, and other choices can add costs to a cremation arrangement.
Call (323) 784-3055 to discuss your preferences and request a free, no-obligation estimate. We do not publish prices, calculate savings, or infer a personal quote.
Urns
Explore Different Types of Cremation Urns
Urns come in different materials and styles. The appropriate choice depends on capacity, where the urn will be placed, and any cemetery or transportation requirements.
Wooden Urns
Wooden urns offer natural grain and a warm appearance. Styles and finishes vary by wood type and design.
Marble Urns
Marble urns offer a stone appearance with natural variations in color and veining. Weight and suitability should be considered for the intended placement.
Images illustrate material styles. Available models and specifications must be confirmed with your agent. We do not show prices, claim inventory, or imply any urn is automatically approved for burial, international shipping, or airline security.
Urn placement
Options for Keeping or Placing the Urn
Keep the Urn at Home
Some families choose to keep an urn at home in a meaningful place. We can help you discuss urn choices and the applicable documentation for your arrangement.
Cemetery Burial or Niche Placement
We can help you explore burial places and cemetery options for an urn, including available burial or niche placement. Space, cemetery rules, containers, and additional arrangements must be confirmed.
Sending Cremated Remains to Another Country
If your family would like cremated remains sent to another country, we can help explore the arrangements and coordinate with the appropriate provider. Availability depends on the destination's requirements, documentation, packaging, and permitted transportation services.
International transportation requires a destination-specific review. Do not ship or travel with cremated remains until the relevant requirements have been confirmed. This differs from shipping an empty urn, which does not contain cremated remains.
Our urn-placement assistance and international coordination process are flagged for confirmation before launch. We do not promise worldwide shipping, guaranteed acceptance, delivery dates, or that a decorative urn can be mailed without approved packaging.
Questions & answers
Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation
What is the difference between direct and memorial cremation?
Direct cremation takes place without a viewing or service with the body present beforehand. A memorial service is a separate gathering held after cremation, with the urn possibly present, depending on the family's wishes and the arrangements.
Can a traditional funeral take place before cremation?
Yes. A traditional funeral service can be held before cremation, and a viewing or visitation may also be arranged, depending on the selected services and the provider's requirements.
Can an urn be kept at home?
Yes. Many families choose to keep an urn at home in a meaningful place. We can help you discuss urn choices and the documentation that may apply to your arrangement.
Can cremated remains be buried in a cemetery?
Yes. An urn can be buried or placed in a cemetery niche. Space, cemetery rules, containers, and additional arrangements must be confirmed with the cemetery and your provider.
Can cremated remains be sent to another country?
In some cases, cremated remains can be sent to another country, but it depends on the destination's requirements, documentation, and permitted transportation. We can help explore the arrangements and coordinate with the appropriate provider.
How do I request a cremation estimate?
Call (323) 784-3055 or request one through our free resources form. We do not publish prices; we will follow up by phone or email with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Can I speak with someone in Spanish?
We speak English and Spanish. Hablamos inglés y español.
Let's Talk About Your Cremation Plans
Whether you're planning for yourself or helping a family member, we're here to answer basic questions and explain the next step. Speak with us in English or Spanish.
Ask us to match or beat another funeral plan. Eligibility and terms apply.
From our Whittier area team, here to help with cremation and burial planning.
Ask us to match or beat another funeral plan. Eligibility and terms apply.