Understanding Cremation
The process of cremation uses high heat to reduce the body to ashes and bone fragments. Cremation has become increasingly popular, chosen by nearly 45% of all funeral clients.
When a person chooses cremation, they can still have a traditional funeral service, a single day service, or a memorial service. These services provide a sense of closure, allowing the family and friends a means of saying good-bye to their loved one.
Once the cremation process is completed, the remains can be stored in a variety of containers, scattered according to the instructions of the deceased, or even buried.
All of the following are available options when considering cremation:
Full Funeral Service
A traditional funeral can be held before the cremation process. An evening visitation with the deceased being viewed along with memorial pictorial boards, videos, musical selections, floral arrangements and a variety of other means for memorializing the deceased. The following day, a funeral service will be conducted by a minister or priest. At the close of the funeral service, those in attendance will be dismissed instead of proceeding to the cemetery for final disposition.
Visitation
A specific time chosen prior to cremation where the friends and family can gather to share memories and grieve together. This gathering is not conducted by a minister or priest and does not involve a eulogy. There are also no cemetery services
Memorial Service
This remembrance service can be held at the funeral home or other location either before or after the cremation process. However, the body of the deceased WILL NOT be present. These services are often held after the cremation process with the remains of the deceased present along with a photo.
Post-Cremation Options
Upon completion of the cremation process, there are options for the remains.
- Burial – Remains can be buried in a cemetery, but each cemetery has their own regulations regarding outer containers, monuments, etc…
- Mausoleum – A mausoleum or columbarium is a building in a cemetery where remains can be housed. The remains are placed in an urn and stored in a niche in a wall.
- Scattering – Many cemeteries have scattering gardens. Local laws and ordinances determine whether scattering can be done are private or public properties.
