When you lose a loved one, it can be difficult to know how to honor their memory. Traditional funeral services often involve a burial, but this is not the only option available. Cremation is an increasingly popular choice for those who want a more personal and unique memorial service. Here are just a few of the funeral services you can get with cremation:
- Traditional funeral service with cremation to follow – This option allows you to have a funeral service before or after the cremation process. You can still have a viewing and visitation, as well as a graveside service.
- Memorial service at the time of cremation – A memorial service can be held before or after the cremation takes place. This allows for a more personal service where you can say goodbye to your loved one in your own way.
- Direct cremation – With this option, the body is cremated without a funeral service. This is often chosen by those who want a simple and less expensive cremation option.
- Cremation with a scattering ceremony – This option allows you to scatter the ashes of your loved one in a place that is special to them. This can be done privately or as part of a public ceremony.
- Cremation with a burial – You can choose to have the ashes buried in a cemetery, either in a traditional plot or in a columbarium. This option gives you the ability to visit your loved one’s grave site in the future.
- Cremation with a private family service – Some families choose to have a private service at the funeral home before the burial. This can be a more intimate setting for saying final goodbyes and sharing memories. If you decide on a private family service, you may still want to consider cremation. Cremation with a private family service can provide you with many options and give you a more personal experience.
- Cremation with a public memorial service – A public memorial service provides an opportunity for family and friends to gather together and pay tribute to the deceased. It can be held at a church, funeral home, or even outdoors in a beautiful setting. And because cremation eliminates the need for burial space, it gives families the freedom to choose a location that is meaningful to them.
- Scattering of the ashes – According to tradition, the scattering of ashes is a way to symbolically let go of the deceased and allow them to move on to the next life. For some, the act of releasing the ashes into the wind or water is a cathartic moment that allows them to say goodbye in a physical way. For others, it is a way to honor the memory of their loved one and ensure that their spirit lives on in nature.
- Burial of the ashes – This could be a favorite spot in nature, such as a lake or forest, or it could be somewhere more personal, such as the garden where they used to spend time with family. Another option is to create a memorial garden, where the ashes can be buried and flowers can be planted to remember the person who has passed away.
- Keep the ashes in an urn or other type of container – Once you have chosen a container, you need to decide on a scattering method. There are many options available, from traditional rituals like casting them to the wind or placing them in a body of water, to more creative options like turning them into jewelry or releasing them in balloons.
No matter what type of funeral service you choose, cremation can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one’s memory. Talk to your funeral director about the different options available and what would be the best fit for your family.
