Cremation

What is cremation? Cremation is a process that involves extreme heat to return the body to its basic elements. It is an alternative to earth burial but is not a substitute for the funeral ceremony or memorial service.

People choose cremation for a variety of reasons. Cremation can offer you both traditional and creative options in your final services. You may feel that cremation is more “natural” or that it is a less expensive alternative. However, the latter is not always true.

Whatever your reasons for choosing cremation, it is wise to explore the many options available to you.

Direct Cremation: The best known option is “direct” cremation. This, however, emphasizes no viewing, no visitation, no service, no casket, or no burial, and often times...no closure. Researchers have found that people who do not go through a funeral or memorial service or do not have a physical place to deposit flowers or other memorabilia, found it harder to find closure to their loved one’s death. For this reason, experts advise people to have a traditional service either before or after the actual cremation. This provides family and friends a chance to say goodbye. It also provides a time for sharing and for people to support one another.

Traditional or Memorial Service: More traditionally, a service before the cremation, which can include a visitation/viewing, casket, flowers, and minister helps families to accept the reality that their loved one has died.

A service that follows the cremation is generally known as a memorial service. The deceased is not available for viewing and types of memorial services vary widely.