Over the last few decades, cremation has become a popular choice when planning a funeral. It is much less expensive and allows for more options in terms of the ceremony and burial.
The Cremation Process and The Details
For many people, cremation is the only choice based on the significantly lower cost than a casket funeral, but it also may be the preference of the family or the deceased. The cremation process is the method by which one obtains the ashes of our loved ones.
The family is given the option to view the body at the funeral home in its natural state prior to cremation. The ashes are then returned usually within a few days and then transferred to an urn or another special receptacle to hold the precious ashes.
Options for Burial
Because there is no casket, there are more burial options. A traditional funeral still can be carried out and the ashes are placed into a cemetery plot or in the pre-prepared space in the wall of a mausoleum customized for the deceased. In other aspects, the funeral is quite similar to a traditional funeral but instead of a casket, there will be a photo of the deceased usually placed beside the receptacle or urn during the funeral visitation and service.
Others decide to take the urn home if they don’t have a burial plot with the view to making a decision at a later date. Still, others decide to spread the ashes. Spreading of the ashes is an increasingly popular choice. It can be formal or it can be done with just the family present at a location that is selected by them or predetermined in the last wishes of the person who has passed on.