Cremation Options
What is cremation?
The irreversible process of reducing human remains to bone fragments through extreme heat and evaporation.
Is a casket needed for cremation?
No, a casket is not required for cremation unless the family chooses to have a traditional service with viewing prior to the cremation. In this case, a beautiful wooden rental casket can be utilized. In most other cases, an alternative container constructed of wood or cardboard is cremated with the body.
Can the family witness the cremation?
Yes, in many cases, family members are allowed to be present when the body is placed into the crematory. In fact, some religious groups include this as part of their funeral custom.
Is cremation accepted by all religions?
Today most religions allow cremation except for Orthodox Jewish, Islamic, Eastern Orthodox and a few Fundamentalist Christian faiths.
Can an urn be brought into church?
Nearly all Protestant Churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service. Most Catholic Churches also allow the cremated remains to be present during the Memorial Mass. In fact, if the family is planning on a memorial service, we encourage the cremated remains be present as it provides a focal point for the service.
What can be done with the cremated remains?
There are many options. Remains can be buried in a cemetery plot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, bench, pedestal, family estate, kept at home, or scattered. In fact, there are many other creative options that can be discussed with the family.
Do people choose cremation only to save money?
While some people select cremation for economy, many choose this option for other reasons. The simplicity and dignity of cremation, environmental concerns, and the flexibility cremation affords in ceremony planning and final disposition all add to its increasing popularity. Experts predict that within the next 10 years cremation will be the chosen form of disposition at least 50% of the time across the nation. On the west coast we are already exceeding 60%.
Do I need an urn?
An urn is not required by law. However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or the remains are to be interred in a cemetery or displayed in a prominent place of honor in the home.
Can the family pre-arrange their cremation plan?
Absoluteley! In fact, we encourage it. Pre-arrangement will save money and spare the family the stress of making the arrangements at the time of need. In the case of private family inurnments in a bench, pedestal or family estate, it allows sufficient time to order, build, and set the cremation unit.
