3 Questions To Ask Before You Choose Cremation

Are you making plans for your funeral or other arrangements after you pass away? Or are you responsible for planning arrangements for a recently deceased loved one? Planning funeral arrangements is never a pleasant process, but it's an important one. A funeral, memorial service, or other ceremony gives friends and families an outlet to grieve and say goodbye.

You may be considering cremation as an option. During cremation, the body is heated to a temperature in which it deteriorates into a sand-like substance. The family or other survivors then have the option to bury the ashes, keep them in an urn, or manage them in some other way. Cremation has become a popular approach for a variety of reasons, including cost. When you cremate a body, you don't have to buy a casket or even a cemetery plot. You can plan any type of memorial service you wish. That type of flexibility may be appealing.

Considering cremation? Below are a few important questions to consider.

Should you buy a casket? Even if you decide on cremation, you may still want to purchase a casket. This is especially true if you plan on having some kind of visitation or viewing service in which the body will be on display. In that case, you'll likely want a casket for the body, and you also may need to invest in body preparation services. However, if you are not going to have a visitation, there may be no need to purchase a casket. The body is simply cremated in a light bag. That could save you a significant amount of money.

What will you do with the ashes? After cremation, the ashes are turned over to the deceased's spouse or other close family members. They have a wide range of options on what to do with the ashes. They could purchase an urn to hold the ashes for safekeeping. They could spread the ashes at a location that holds sentimental value. Some families divide the ashes between various family members so everyone can do as they wish. And some families even buy a plot or tomb at a cemetery so there is one safe, central location to visit and pay respects. There are many options available, so it's wise to think about you or your loved one's wishes.

How will you memorialize the deceased? One of the benefits of cremation is that you have flexibility to remember the deceased however you wish. You aren't obligated to hold a burial service with days of the death. You could have the body cremated and then hold a memorial service weeks or even months later. You could have a remembrance party rather than a somber visitation or funeral. You could have a casual open house that uses flowers and videos rather than a body on display. You'll likely want to remember the deceased in some way, but you can do so in almost any fashion you like.

Think cremation might be right for you or your loved one? Contact funeral homes like Naples Funeral Home Inc today. They can help you make arrangements and decide what options are right for you.

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