Cremation Service
Cremation is not a final disposition process. It is another step in the memorization process. After cremation takes place, families must make a choice for the final disposition of cremated remains. Final disposition options include placing the cremated remains in a decorative urn to be displayed in the home or in a niche or columbarium, burying the cremated remains in the family’s preferred cemetery, or scattering the cremated remains. Many experts in the study of grief have long felt that a viewing and funeral service help begin a healthy grieving process.
Funeral Service with Cremation Following
Increasingly popular, is the option of traditional funeral services or Mass of Christian Burial, with the cremation following. In these cases, a casket can be rented or a special cremation casket can be purchased so that a viewing can be held and the deceased can be present during the service or the Mass. A full service cremation, however, is vastly less costly than traditional burial or entombment.
Cremation followed by a Memorial Service
A memorial service is held after the cremation takes place, and oftentimes, the cremains are present. The memorial service can be tailored to each family’s wishes, and often includes pictures, music, memorabilia, awards, and poetry or scripture readings that reflect the personal taste of the deceased or of the surviving family. If the cremains are present, an urn is usually desired. Urns come in many styles and materials that can also personify the lifestyle of the deceased.
Direct Cremation Service
People who prefer not to have any service or gathering can choose a direct cremation. In this case, after the funeral director completes the appropriate paperwork, the cremation is performed without any type of viewing or service.
The cremated remains (called cremains) are returned to the family members after the process is complete.