Cremation Services
Overview of Cremation Services
The number of people choosing cremation has increased significantly in the past few years, yet cremation carries a long tradition and remains largely unchanged. What is done before or after the cremation is up to the survivors, or up to you.
Contrary to what some people believe, Cremation does not limit choices, but, in fact, increases one’s options. It is a process which is performed in a respectful and dignified manner and can be memorialized in many ways.
Plan Your Tribute
Choosing cremation neither eliminates nor does it require a funeral service. Traditional or contemporary services are often planned before or after the cremation process. A funeral service followed by cremation may be similar to a funeral service followed by ground burial. They can be elaborate or simple and traditional or nontraditional.
Here are some common examples of cremation services chosen most often by the family’s we serve. These services can be held over multiple days or can be accomplished on the same day if desired. We can tailor any of these options to meet your individual needs.
- Traditional viewing or visitation hours (with body present), followed by cremation
- Cremation followed by memorial visitation (without body) at the funeral home
- Cremation followed by a memorial service or life celebration at your church, our chapel or reception center.
- Private family goodbye, followed by cremation
- Cremation followed by burial or interment of cremains
- Simple cremation with no ceremony
What to Do With the Cremated Remains
Cremation allows families many choices for memorializing a loved one. Some families choose to keep the cremated remains with them at home, inter them in a cemetery, or to scatter the remains over land or water.
Our staff can assist you with the following memorialization options, among others, for cremated remains:
- Outdoor Niches – The cremated remains may be safely held in an above ground columbarium niches. They are typically located within a mausoleum or chapel.
- Urn Garden – Many cemeteries have areas designated specifically for the interment of cremated remains.
- Family Plot – If you already own a burial plot or have space in a family plot, you may choose to inter the urn there.
- Scattering – Your loved one’s remains may be scattered in a meaningful location that can be appreciated by future generations. There are also certain services which offer scattering among the sea or the stars.
- Traditional Burial – In ground burial on a family plot or in special cremation areas of the cemetery.
- Personalized Memorialization – Inscribe your family member’s name and a special saying on a tree plaque, park bench or other special memorial. We also have custom, unique urns and keepsakes, perfect for displaying inside your home.
Personalizing Your Experience Memorable Tribute Services
Memory Tables and Memory Collages
Life Tribute Memorial Videos
Memorial Webcasting and Taping of Services
Personalized Music
Certified Celebrant
Bagpiper
Pallbearers
Military Honors
Wildflower Keepsakes
Receptions
Choosing a Cemetery
Even with cremation, a green burial can take place in nearly any cemetery that allows eco-friendly methods of burial. Our firm offers several options that can help you ensure that your final resting place is both environmentally-friendly and honorable. Typically, cemeteries offering green burials follow these guidelines:
- Offer exclusive green burial sections
- Prohibit the use of urn vaults
- Dig graves by hand rather than using heavy equipment
- Often plant trees or shrubs in lieu of headstones
- Offer designated scattering areas
FAQ's
Below are resources that can help you make informed decisions about earth-friendly services. Please call one of our directors or email us for more information anytime.
Compassion is definitely the perfect name for Mr. Billy and Mr. Michael's service. These gentlemen are two of the most caring individuals, and this is greatly appreciated. Especially in the difficult time of dealing with the loss of a loved one. They took great care and detail in every aspect of the services they performed. they also took the extra step of help caring for our family emotionally. Our family is so very grateful for their help during such a hard moment in our life.