Are you thinking about cremation for yourself or a loved one? If so, you probably have lots of questions. Our list of 10 Cremation Secrets will help answer some of the big questions. If you want to know more, check out our cremation articles. We’ve also got everything you need to know about funerals and can help you create a funeral plan.
10 Cremation Secrets You Need to Know
Cremation has become an increasingly popular option. In fact, now more than half of Americans choose cremation. According to industry experts, this number will continue to grow. There are many reasons for the popularity, one of the biggest being cost. If you are considering cremation but aren’t sure how to get started, visit our cremation pages.
Cremation has become much more widely accepted but you should still confirm with your clergy if it is an accepted practice in your religion. The Eastern Orthodox church, for example, doesn’t permit any form of cremation. Catholics, on the other hand, permit cremation but not scattering of ashes. Click for more on cremation and religion.
Depending on the options you select and the area of the country where you live, the cost of cremation will range from $1,000-$8,000. The high end number would include a funeral to be held prior to the cremation. A traditional funeral with in-ground burial ranges from $10,000-$15,000. Our page tips on managing funeral costs can help you learn about ways to avoid breaking the bank on funeral expenses.
A popular misconception is that when you have a cremation you can’t have a funeral or a viewing. Not true. The same types of services are available with traditional cremation that are available for burial. Adding a funeral will add to costs but you can still have whatever type of service you want prior to the cremation.
With direct cremation, the body is cremated soon after death. The deceased is taken straight to the crematorium and there is no funeral. A direct cremation is the most affordable type of cremation. After the body is cremated the remains can be returned to you. Even with direct cremation, you can still have a memorial service.
Embalming adds to the price of the funeral, and the fluids used may harm the environment. Embalming is generally required if you have a funeral with a viewing or visitation. Many people avoid embalming by holding a memorial service after cremation.
The only requirement for a cremation container is that it be rigid and fully combustible. You do not have to have a casket. If you are having a funeral or viewing prior to cremation, you can rent a casket. Another alternative is to order the cremation container or a casket from another provider or online. Funeral homes must accept caskets from third parties.
You can buy an urn from any vendor and either provide it to the cremation services company or transfer the ashes once you receive them. You don’t have to buy from the company handling the cremation. Visit our store to see some of the beautiful urns we offer.
You may be surprised by how many options you have for handling ashes. Traditional urns are still popular, but you can also choose cremation jewelry, artwork, or custom containers. Less conventional choices like infused pottery, gemstones, and ornaments are also becoming more popular. To find something special to honor a loved one or a favorite pet, visit our store.
One key advantage to cremation is that you can think outside the box when it comes to holding a memorial service or celebration of life. Any location that has meaning for you or your loved one can be used for a memorial service. Parks, beaches, and local restaurants are all popular choices.
It’s a seldom mentioned cremation secret that one of the big advantages of cremation is that it offers you many choices when it comes to how you memorialize your loved one. From the container you use to where you hold the memorial service, your only limitation is your imagination.
Tiffany Locke
I like that this article talks about how cremation has become more popular since it’s cheaper. This would be a great way to afford the service while also helping you remember your loved one. If you’re considering cremation, it would probably be a good idea to visit a funeral home in order to discuss the different options and ask any questions about their services.
Molly Gorny
Thanks, Tiffany. We’re thrilled that you like the article. We always recommend that people get as much information as they can before deciding what is right for them, funeral homes are a great way to do that, especially when it comes to finding out the specific options in your area. Crematories are also a good information source.
Ashley Maxwell
It’s nice that you said that cremation services should allow you to have a viewing first if that’s what you want. I also like how you said that it can save you money because you won’t have to buy a casket and do a burial service. My husband and I are looking into cremation services because they should be more affordable for my aunt.
Rosie Beckett
My parents are trying to plan ahead and get all of their funeral arrangements taken care of so there won’t be any stress on the family in the future. They are thinking about cremation and I didn’t know much about it so I appreciate the information in this article! The fact that cremation is much cheaper than a traditional burial is a huge benefit. Plus, it makes sense that we can still have a nice funeral for them and then we can take their ashes and scatter them in their favorite places. This seems like a great way to get closure and celebrate their memory.
Daphne Gilpin
Thanks for pointing out that it’s still possible to have a funeral and/or viewing simply by doing it before the cremation, contrary to the popular misconception. My husband and I are trying to figure out some details of our own end-of-life planning. I like the idea of being cremated but also want to have a funeral, so I’m glad to hear that’s a possibility.
Vivian Black
You made a great point about not buying a casket and how you can rent one for a funeral. My husband’s grandmother died recently and her dying wish was for us to have her cremated, so we are looking for tips about it and what we need to know. We will keep these tips in mind as we search for a professional who can help us here in Holly Springs, GA.
Lolita Lloyd
This site is very useful very informative as the only child I was able to get insight on how to plan mother’s final homegoing and final wishes thank you so much for this information this was my first planing
Paul
Cremation is trending now. Most religions accept it. It is practical. It would be easy to personalize cremation jewelry. We can bring it where ever we go.