Nearly 5 years ago, my husband’s precious maternal grandmother passed away. This special woman had an amazing sense of humor and a flair for life. Without saying a word, she could make me laugh with just a look. Several years before her death, she visited a local funeral home in order to plan her funeral services. When she passed away, the family didn’t have to deal with the stress of organizing her farewell services. They could relax, grieve, and concentrate on the wonderful memories they shared with her. I've grown to appreciate this. On this blog, you will discover the steps required to plan your own funeral.
Planning Your Funeral
Answers To 5 Top Cremation Services Questions
Nora Mitchelle
You'll find it challenging to decide on cremation if you are unsure of the process. However, understanding cremation services reduces anxiety and provides you with a better alternative to give your loved one a better send-off.
Below are some things you need to know in preparation for cremation.
1. What Are the Costs?
Ideally, cremation is less expensive than burial, making it a cheaper option to send off your loved one. For example, you may hire a casket for cremation, one of the most significant expenses during burials. However, in some instances, you may not need a coffin during the process in some cases.
You will not incur cosmetic and embalming expenses because cremation does not involve a delayed viewing of the body. Also, you will only purchase a grave marker if you intend to bury the remains of your loved one. Therefore, you will have fewer costs if you choose cremation over burial.
2. What Are the Types of Cremation Methods?
The two main types of cremation are:
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Flame Cremation. This traditional cremation uses heat to reduce the body into ashes. This process is legal and results in lesser ashes. However, it also requires the removal of pacemakers and metals.
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Liquid Cremation. Unlike direct cremation, liquid cremation uses alkali and water to speed decomposition. It is a flameless option whose end product is a sterile solution that one can recycle. It also results in more ashes compared to the direct cremation process.
3. What Are the Cremation Steps?
Below are the cremation process steps:
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Identification of the body
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Authorization of the procedure
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Body preparation
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Moving into the cremation chamber
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Finalization of the remains
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Ash transfer
4. How Long Is the Process?
Unlike burials, cremation procedures occur within a shorter period following the death of your loved one. The actual cremation takes a few hours, depending on the size of the body, the type of container holding the body, and the efficiency of the cremation equipment.
5. Can You Witness the Cremation Process?
In most crematoriums, the family of the departed can witness the procedure from a distance. There is a separate viewing room that has an outlet to the chamber to allow you and your family to view the body of your loved one. However, some crematoriums may charge for the viewing, which is not expensive.
Hopefully, you now understand cremation services and can make a more informed choice with the above guide. First, however, ensure you work with licensed expert cremation services to get the best services. For more information, contact a company like the American Cremation Society (Ridgemoor Chapels).
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