Essential Things to Consider for a Cremation Service
When a person passes away, their family has to make many decisions concerning the final disposition. Cremation services in Loudonville, NY, are designed to make the transition process as smooth as possible. Whether you are planning ahead or currently in need of a cremation service, read on for our top four considerations to help you prepare.
Funeral, memorial, or no service at all?
Cremation services can be provided at the time of death or at a later time. If you choose to have a ceremony after the cremation, it is considered a memorial service. If you decide to have no service at all, this is called direct cremation. You can as well hold a service beforehand as with traditional funerals.
You can have anything from an open-casket service to a private gathering of immediate family members before the body is cremated. A full-service traditional funeral includes a wake, viewing, or visitation, though you may select elements that are meaningful to you. You will have to discuss the extent with the funeral director, but keep in mind that service components would vary based on your choice.
The deceased’s wishes matter when considering final rites. It is also helpful to discuss these wishes with family and friends who may want to participate in the planning.
Casket choice
Whether you plan on having a funeral service or going straight to the crematory will play into your casket choices. Where you may wish to go with something decorous or pricey for the former, only a simple container is required for the actual cremation.
You might want to put more thought into the casket or coffin if it will be displayed. Nonetheless, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go over budget. Funeral homes often offer casket rentals. This way, you can use something truly befitting your loved one for their viewing or funeral service and then have the body transferred into something simpler for cremation.
Urn for cremation ashes
Cremated remains are usually returned to the family within a few days of cremation. In many cases, they will be in a temporary container that can be used as is or transferred into a permanent urn.
Cremation urns are available as merchandise at funeral homes for use as part of your memorial service, in your home or other choice dispositions. You will generally get them in all shapes, designs, and price points. You can also create your own urn for ashes or have one custom-made.
Some people will keep the urn on display. Others instead choose an inconspicuous location to hold the ashes. The choice is up to you and your family.
What happens after the cremation?
It’s also important to start considering what will become of the cremated remains from the beginning so you can plan accordingly. For instance, if you plan on scattering or burying the ashes as soon as you get them. Then you may not need to invest so much in a permanent urn.
However, suppose you have flexible plans or feel you might come up with something ideal later on. In that case, you will have to hold off on doing anything irreversible with the cremation ashes for the time being.
If unsure about what to do, discuss your wishes and that of the deceased with the funeral director. Or ask for ideas based on what other families in your budget bracket do.
You may wish to do your own research on cremation or contact a funeral director directly to discuss your options further. Call on our cremation service in Loudonville, NY, today to talk to a professional or book a service at any time.
