Cremation Information
What is Cremation?
Part of making funeral arrangements on behalf of a loved one involves choosing between burial of the body or cremation. Certainly this is an important decision, based on any number of factors: religious or spiritual beliefs, finances, environmental awareness or personal preference.
Before you make the choice, you ought to become familiar with what's involved.
Cremation Explained
The Cremation Association of North America
describes cremation as, "The mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments". On our page, The Cremation Process, we offer a deeper look at the most common cremation process which uses extreme heat.
What is Required to Arrange a Cremation?
Once the cremation-over-burial decision has been made, all that's required is authorization. This is provided by the person who is the legally identified or appointed next-of-kin. Once the authorization documents are signed, the body can be transported to the crematory and the cremation process can take place. However, there are some additional things you may wish to consider:
- Is there a special set of clothes (such as a military uniform or favorite dress) your loved one would appreciate the thought of wearing?
- Are there any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation casket? Perhaps there's a special memento, such as a treasured photograph or letter?
- Would you or other family members like to be present for your loved one's cremation? Because we know how healing it can be to take part in an act of "letting go," we welcome the opportunity to bring interested family or friends into the crematory.
- What will you keep the cremated remains or ashes in after the cremation or the service? Some families are unaware that they can purchase a cremation urn to be placed in a special place such as the family home.
Why Choose Cremation?
Everyone has their own personal reasons for choosing cremation over traditional casketed burial.
Cremation Costs are Only One Reason
Given the religious, ethnic, and regional diversity among us, there are many other reasons for the dramatic rise in the number of cremations performed each year.
Cremation allows a family the flexibility they may need in planning and preparing for a memorial service, celebration-of-life, or a scattering ceremony. While the cremation process can occur almost immediately, the decisions required in planning a meaningful memorial for a loved one can be made in a relaxed, rational way.
Are You Ready to Talk About Cremation?
We want you to know that no matter your reasons for choosing cremation, we're here to help you explore your options. When you're ready, call us to set an appointment or reach us using the secure contact form below.
Ask us about cremation
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