When planning a funeral and celebration of life, there are a lot of details to keep track of. This can be incredibly stressful, as such moments tend to be overcharged with emotion. There are many decisions that need to be made and so many option to be considered.
Cremation is one of those options, but you may not know much about the process. Your funeral director will guide you each step of the way, but you might not be too sure of the questions you should be asking them. To help ease the process, here is a list of questions to ask your funeral director to ensure things go as smooth as possible.
What Options Are Available For the Final Deposition of the Body?
There are three common options available for your loved one’s body depending on their wishes. The first is a traditional burial. This usually requires an embalming, cosmetic preparation of the body, calling hours, a funeral service, and a burial in either a cemetery plot or a mausoleum. Another option is to donate the body to research. Lastly, there is cremation. Like a traditional burial, most families include calling hours, a funeral service, and a burial or scattering of the ashes.
How Does Cremation Work?
After your loved one dies, most cremators, such as those at Heritage Cremation Provider , will pick up the body from the place of death. After preparation, the body is placed inside the crematorium chamber, where it will be subjected to intense heat and eventually broken down into ashes. The ashes will be processed so they are all of uniform size and will be given to the family in the chosen urn.
The length of a cremation process depends on the size and weight of the body. Typically, it can take anywhere from four to six hours for the process to be complete.
After the process is over, the ashes will be grey and white. The remains may also be a bit heavier than expected, with the average weight for a man being seven pounds and a woman being five pounds.
If My Loved One Wanted Their Ashes Scattered, What Are the Options?
Depending on your state law, there are plenty of options for scattering ashes. This can include at sea, at a favorite place, or even scattering them over the grave of a loved one. However, your state might require only a licensed funeral director to handle the ashes, so it is worthwhile to double check how exactly you can make your loved one’s wishes come true.
Are We Able to Witness the Cremation or View the Body Before the Process?
It depends on the funeral home, but most establishments allow the families to view the cremation if they are prepared to do so. It is your personal preference; however it can be said that witnessing the cremation can help with the grieving process.
Additionally, it is entirely possible to view the body before the cremation is performed, whether you choose embalming or not.
What Are My Options When It Comes to a Memorial Service?
Your family can hold the memorial service of your choosing. There are plenty of options at your disposal, from a simple service to a two-day event of calling hours and a funeral with a burial. It is a common misconception that just because your loved one won’t have a casket, you are unable to have a traditional service. This couldn’t be more untrue.
There is a lot involved when it comes to planning a cremation and a memorial service. Just remember that there are professionals readily available to help you with all your needs. When meeting with your funeral director or cremation specialists, don’t hold back on any questions you might have to ensure this process goes how you and your loved one would have wanted.
