Some choose to have a funeral service with cremation

Families choose cremation for various reasons. Cremation is perceived as simpler and more affordable. Another reason is the flexibility in timing a memorial or celebration of life.

Cremation funerals serve the same purpose as traditional funerals. Throughout history, funerals have been important rites for all cultures. There's evidence that even Neanderthals used flowers and antlers to decorate the graves of those who died. A funeral brings people together to say goodbye, and that's something people need when grieving. Cremation doesn't change that. In fact, because a cremation funeral can be scheduled at any time, more people are usually able to attend.

This is especially beneficial if friends and relatives live in different parts of the country or world. Cremation funerals can be held weeks or months after the actual cremation, giving people the opportunity to take time off work, arrange transportation and otherwise plan to be present.

Additionally, cremation funerals can be held in a wide array of places, from modern funeral homes and cemeteries to restaurants, beaches, mountaintops, parks and piers—really any place of significance for the loved one and the family.

You can have a memorial without a loved one present

At a traditional burial funeral, the body of the deceased loved one is almost always present. Cremation presents options.

A service before cremation allows the body of the deceased to be present. After cremation, ashes may be present in an urn or other container, or the family can choose to display a memory portrait of the loved one instead.

Some families may want a loved one's ashes placed in a cemetery as soon as possible. Others might opt to hold a scattering during or after the service. Still others may hold onto the urn or ashes for months, years or always. Cremation offers this flexibility and, with or without the loved one present, a cremation funeral can reflect the life of the person being honored.

A celebration of life complements cremation beautifully

Like funerals, celebrations of life are opportunities to commemorate legacies. Though traditional funerals tend to focus on loss and grief, celebrations of life focus on happy memories and the unique impacts loved ones had on their friends, family and communities.

Many people choose to incorporate familiar traditions—such as sharing stories, reading verses and playing music—into a celebration of life, but these elements tend to be less formal and more joyous in nature. A celebration of life tends to highlight a loved one’s personality, passions and accomplishments and often involves highly personal touches, like favorite foods and songs. This provides their friends and family with an opportunity to reminisce, reflect and find comfort in others.

Like cremation, celebrations of life have become increasingly popular, and these services pair together for a memorable memorial.

Scattering ceremonies are very popular

Scattering a loved one’s ashes in a meaningful location can also be an integral part of the healing process, symbolizing the release of a person’s spirit and return to the earth.

There are many ways to scatter ashes, depending on your preferences and your loved one’s wishes. For example, you might choose to cast the ashes from the cliffside of their favorite hike, have a pilot release them from an aircraft, or scatter them in the backyard of your loved one’s cherished vacation home. There are restrictions related to scattering so you should discuss your desires with your funeral provider.

You might also incorporate additional elements into the scattering ceremony, such as lighting fireworks or releasing paper lanterns, providing a spectacular sendoff for your loved one.

Choose a cremation provider that’s right for you

There's sometimes a perception that choosing a cremation provider doesn't require as much thought as choosing a provider for a traditional funeral and burial, but that's not the case. Caring for a deceased loved one, regardless of whether burial or cremation is chosen, is an incredibly important task. Not all funeral providers offer the same care and services, and it’s sometimes tough to make an apples-to-apples comparison.

When you choose a Dignity Memorial^® provider, your loved one never leaves our expert care or that of our trusted partners. Every service we provide is backed by our 100% Service Guarantee. What's more, the Dignity Difference means you have access to a range of benefits that set our locations apart.

Choices that affect cremation funeral costs

There are many decisions to make when planning a funeral or cremation. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to planning a funeral or cremation, there are different costs and expenses to consider. The number of people invited, the food served, the venue chosen, the type of casket and/or urn, and any keepsakes or memorial items you want included all impact total cost.

When you partner with us, we’re with you every step of the way. Whether you imagine an intimate gathering or a large celebration, we are here to assist you with a one-of-a-kind sendoff.

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