Can You Have a Cremation Only Funeral?
Cremation Only Funeral
Many families choose cremation as their final disposition choice because it’s often hundreds if not thousands of dollars lower than the average cost of a casket burial with a funeral service and visitation. However, there are a lot of other reasons that people may prefer this option and many of these are personal preferences.
Many people who choose cremation only choose to scatter the ashes at an emotionally significant location or at a ceremony that commemorates their life and gives surviving loved ones a chance to share their memories. However, some choose to keep the urn and keep it on display in their home or somewhere they can visit and remember.
Other families choose to memorialize their loved one with a ceremonial service or celebration of life at a funeral home, place of worship, or even in their own backyard. Funeral Celebrants are increasingly leading and officiating these types of services in addition to traditional clergy or ministers. These ceremonies can happen before, immediately after or long after the cremation takes place and can be as simple or elaborate as the family desires.
Can You Have a Cremation Only Funeral?
Some people choose to bury their loved ones’ cremated remains in a grave or columbarium at a cemetery. This is an excellent option for those who want to have the traditional look of a casket burial while still enjoying the benefits of cremation. Most cemeteries offer a variety of options for burials including mausoleums and crypts.
If you are planning to bury your loved one’s cremated remains in a cemetery, there may be some restrictions on the type of casket allowed. Most of these restrictions are based on cemetery or mausoleum rules and regulations and should be reviewed before a final decision is made.
A very popular alternative to a traditional burial and funeral is to donate your loved one’s body for medical research. Known as anatomical donation, this is a great way to give back to the community and help scientists and doctors learn more about human anatomy. Most of the time, this is a free cremation for the family and will include an official letter or letter of appreciation that tells the story of your loved one’s contribution to scientific research.
Most funeral homes and cremation providers will have packages available that include the transportation of the body to and from the medical examiner’s morgue, a urn to hold your loved one’s ashes and a service at the funeral home or place of worship before or after the cremation takes place. These are called direct cremation packages and are generally the most affordable way to arrange for cremation.