Cremation Information
What is Cremation?
An important part of making funeral arrangements for a loved one involves choosing between burial and cremation. This is a significant decision influenced by a variety of factors, including religious or spiritual beliefs, financial considerations, and environmental concerns. Before making this choice, it is helpful to fully understand the options available.
The information below provides an overview of cremation. Should you have additional questions or wish to discuss your concerns in more detail, we encourage you to contact us. One of our cremation specialists will be available to provide guidance and address any questions you may have.
Cremation Explained
The Cremation Association of North America defines cremation as “the mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments.” On our page, The Cremation Process, we provide a more detailed explanation of the most common form of cremation, which involves the use of extreme heat.
As noted earlier, families choose cremation over traditional burial for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the decision is influenced by a personal discomfort with burial itself—a concern that, for some, has historical roots such as the Victorian-era fear of premature burial.
What is Required to Arrange for Cremation?
Once the decision to choose cremation over burial has been made, the next required step is authorization. This authorization is provided by the legally designated next of kin. After all required documents have been signed and service charges have been paid, the deceased may be transported from the place of death to the crematory, where the cremation process can take place.
There are, however, several additional considerations you may wish to discuss during the arrangement process:
- Clothing and personal effects
Is there specific clothing your loved one would have wished to wear, such as a military uniform or a favorite outfit? Your funeral director will guide you through these choices and advise on appropriate handling of jewelry or other valuable personal items. - Keepsake or memorial items
You may wish to place meaningful items in the cremation casket, such as a letter, photograph, or personal memento. Some families find comfort in writing notes or messages to their loved one and including them prior to cremation. - Family presence at the cremation
Some families choose to be present for, or participate in, portions of the cremation process. For many, this experience can provide a meaningful sense of closure. If this is something you would like to consider, please discuss your wishes with your funeral director. - Care of the cremated remains
Decisions regarding the placement or storage of cremated remains are also important. Many families choose to select an urn for display in the home, placement in a niche, or burial. We offer a wide selection of cremation urns and memorial options, and a member of our staff would be pleased to assist you in selecting one that best honors your loved one.
Your funeral director will be available to guide you through each of these considerations with care and professionalism.
Why Choose Cremation?
Families choose cremation over traditional casketed burial for a wide variety of personal reasons. While cost is often a consideration, it is only one of many factors contributing to the increasing number of cremations each year.
Given today’s religious, cultural, and regional diversity, attitudes toward cremation have continued to evolve. As noted by NBC’s Tyler Mathisen, one contributing factor has been the Catholic Church’s change in position. While the Church continues to express a preference for burial, its long-standing prohibition of cremation was lifted in 1963, making the practice more widely accepted among Catholic families.
Shifts in family structure have also played a role. As more individuals live far from their hometowns and extended families, traditional family burial plots have become less accessible or less practical. For many, cremation offers a flexible and cost-effective way to care for a loved one’s remains, particularly when families are geographically dispersed.
Cremation also provides greater flexibility in planning memorial services, celebrations of life, or scattering ceremonies. While the cremation process itself may take place soon after the necessary documentation is completed, families are afforded the time to thoughtfully plan a meaningful memorial without the pressures of immediate scheduling.
Environmental considerations are another factor for some families. Traditional burial practices require cemetery space and may involve embalming, which can raise concerns about land use and groundwater impact. While questions remain regarding the environmental effects of cremation, many individuals view it as an alternative that aligns with their personal values.
If you have questions about cremation or would like to discuss whether it is the right choice for your family, we encourage you to speak with one of our funeral professionals for guidance and support.
Are You Ready to Talk About Cremation?
We want you to know that regardless of your reasons for choosing cremation, we are here to help you understand and explore your options. When you are ready, we invite you to call us to schedule an appointment or visit our office at your convenience. You may also reach out to us by sending an email through our online Contact Us form.
Sources:
- What is Cremation, Cremation Association of North America
- Mathisen, Tyler, "Cremation is the Hottest Trend in the Funeral Industry"
