5 Things to Know About Cremation

Is cremation a part of your pre plan? When a person passes away there are two general ways to move forward with after life services. Many people associate a casket with death but many people end up being cremated. 

What is Cremation?

As defined in the dictionary cremation is: the disposal of a dead person’s body by burning it to ashes, typically after a funeral ceremony.

 Cremation after a viewing and funeral is an option.

It can also take the place of a traditional burial. The “ashes” can be stored in an urn and displayed. There are many different ways to treat the ashes of the deceased after they are cremated. The ashes can be spread somewhere meaningful or put into jewelry or other creative art pieces.

5 Things to Know about Cremation

1.You can still have a funeral. 

Even without a viewing or open casket there can be a full funeral and or memorial service. The nice thing about cremation is that there is more freedom with the time frame of when it is planned. If there is an open casket viewing it must take place within days of the death. Cremation allows for more extensive planning if need be. 

2. It is less expensive than traditional burial.

Eliminating the cost of a casket and all other interventions such as embalming and preserving the dead body reduces the overall cost of the funeral. Cremation can cost up to one-third less than a traditional burial. 

3. Remains can be buried at a cemetery. 

You can certainly purchase a plot at a cemetery to bury the remains. This is a great option to have a place to memorialize. You can then come visit and remember your loved one the same way you would with a traditional burial.

4. Embalming is not required..

 if there will be no viewing of the body before cremation. Although if a family would like there to be a viewing before the deceased is cremated they will be embalmed first.

5. Direct cremation is more environmentally friendly. 

Direct cremation does not require any embalming or little to no surgical intervention. The embalming process includes surgical manipulation and removal of bodily fluids and uses a lot of toxic chemicals. Direct cremation occurs shortly after death and much of this can be avoided.

No matter what route you choose whether it be cremated or burial, there is no wrong answer. Take into consideration what works best for you and fulfills the values that you have. Understanding all your options makes for optimal pre planning. Your legacy can live on with the many options for after life.