Cremation is becoming an increasingly common choice among Americans. The reasons for choosing cremation are varied and personal. The decision may be based on environmental considerations, philosophical, or religious reasons. The decision may be just because it is much simpler (less complicated).
Many choose cremation because it can be less expensive than traditional burial--although the price of a cremation & ceremony can varies widely and based on your personal selections.
Cremation is only half the story. Plans for a viewing, visitation, funeral or memorial service don't have to change if you choose cremations.
Cremation following a funeral service & visitation
Memorial service with or without the cremated remains present
Religious Service
Direct Cremation with no service
Funeral planning and setting aside funds for final arrangements can provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your expenses are covered and that you will be memorialized in a way that is meaningful to you and your family. Request a consultation with a funeral planning representative today.
Services or ceremonies can precede or follow the actual cremation. Prior to cremation, there may be a gathering or viewing, which can be either public or private, with an open or closed casket, similar to a traditional service.
A memorial service typically occurs after cremation is complete, with or without the cremated remains present. It is a remembrance of the deceased, sometimes called a life celebration. Since it is intended to be a celebration of your life, it can take on any form you want. It can be religious, nondenominational, spiritual, or none of the above. If the cremated remains are present, an urn may take a place of prominence. Some of the things you might ask your family and friends to do include:
Read a poem or passage that is significant to you
Play your favorite music
Serve your favorite food
Display your favorite photos
Share stories about your time together
You may choose to have your service at a funeral home, a place of worship, or even another place that is significant to you, such as a park, beach, family home or restaurant. If you choose not to have any type of service a "Direct Cremation" can take place. This simply means the body is taken from the morgue and cremated after obtaining the death certificate, necessary permits, authorizations, and the cremated remains are returned to the family.
Cremation Containers - Urns
Depending on the service, you may choose to rent a casket for a viewing (this may require an embalming). If you choose not to have a visitation or viewing with a cremation casket. a cremation container will need to be used.
There are a number of options for urns. While urns are typically less expensive than caskets, the price can rival that of caskets depending on the quality of materials and any desired customization. Urns are the focal point at a memorial service. An urn can be used whether for scattering, interment in a cemetery plot, or displayed in a home.
Urns can be customized to represent a favorite sports team, hobby, religion, or military service. Options are available for smaller keepsake urns or jewelry for your loved ones that are designed to hold a small portion of the cremated remains, a lock of hair, or flowers from the service.
Wood (oak, mahogany, cherry, maple, or pine)
Metal (bronze, pewter, copper, or brass
Biodegradable material
Glass
Marble
Ceramic
An urn provides a protective and dignified receptacle for the cremated remains.
Placing the cremated remains in a decorative urn to be displayed in a loved one's home, or other display location
Burying the cremated remains in a preferred cemetery
Scattering the cremated remains
If scattering the cremated remains, you should communicate your preferences about where you would like to have this done. This will allow your family to make the appropriate arrangements when the time comes. This may include obtaining permission from a property owner, local government, or other officials.
Other unique options include:
Adding cremated remains to jewelry
Adding cremated remains to sculptures
Adding cremated remains to memorial benches
Adding cremated remains to stones for placement in a garden or walking trail
Request more information about funeral planning & cremation.