If you’re making final plans for yourself or a loved one, and cremation is part of the plan, you’ll need to find a crematory. This is the location where the cremation takes place.
Cremation: the basics
Cremation has recently become the choice of the majority of Americans, edging out traditional burial. Supporters cite several reasons for its popularity, especially cost – it can be substantially less expensive. It’s also more environmentally friendly and doesn’t require the cemetery space of a traditional burial.
There are a variety of ways to incorporate cremation into end-of-life plans. Some people choose direct cremation, in which the body is cremated shortly after death and no viewing or funeral service takes place. Others choose to have a memorial service after cremation, sometimes with the ashes present at the service in an urn and sometimes without the ashes present. Still others have a full funeral service and visitation, with the body present, prior to cremation.
After cremation, there are also many options for the ashes. They can be saved at home, buried in a cemetery or inurned in a columbarium, scattered in a favorite place, or incorporated into creative memorials.
The cremation process is one that families can choose to be involved with by being present at the crematory while it happens, or they can limit their involvement to making the plans for cremation and any services.
Cremation societies and funeral homes
The best way to choose a crematory is to ask the advice of the professionals helping you make arrangements. Since you’re choosing cremation, this can be either a funeral home or a cremation society.
Funeral homes are prepared to accommodate cremation as well as burial. Some have crematories on-site, while others are affiliated with local crematories – and still others don’t have any direct affiliation but can help you choose a crematory.
If you want to have a formal funeral service along with cremation, you may find that a funeral home is the best choice. For direct cremation, either a funeral home or a cremation society will be able to assist you.
As an alternative to a funeral home, a cremation society is an organization of people who plan to choose cremation. They become members of the society and create a plan for cremation, which can include making arrangement and paying for services in advance, or doing all of this at the time of death.
Even if you’re not a member of a cremation society, you can contact one at the time of a loved one’s death to get help with making arrangements. They will be able to assist you in finding a local crematory and making all the preparations necessary. Their expertise may be specifically around cremation and may not include planning a funeral service and carrying out those plans.
You don’t need to go it alone
Whatever your plan for final arrangements may be, choosing a crematory doesn’t need to be confusing and overwhelming. Having a professional assist you is the best way to ensure you’re making good decisions for yourself and your family. Using the services of a cremation society or funeral home will allow you to focus on mourning rather than having to navigate options like which crematory to choose.
p.s. We are pleased to let you know that there’s now a nationwide solution for simple, affordable and worry-free cremation planning. For just $13.99/month, Cremation Club secures peace of mind for yourself and your family by providing cremation benefits and other essential services around end-of-life planning. Apply today at CremationClub.com
More funeral planning help
- Download your free funeral-planning guide and checklist
- Burial and cremation alternatives
- Should I have a traditional funeral service?
- The cremation process: How it works
