4 Top Tips for Planning a Cremation and Memorial Service

When you lose a loved one, sometimes making cremation and memorial service arrangements can be overwhelming during your grieving period. Many cremation and burial societies are devoted to making your final goodbye as easy and as worry-free as possible, but in the event you want to make sure you’re making the best possible arrangements, it’s important to know more about what goes into planning a memorial service.

Here are four top tips you can follow when planning a cremation and memorial service for your loved one.

1. Learn common funeral industry jargon
If you are in the process of mourning a loved one and feel tired or stressed, it’s easy to feel confused when making arrangements with a cremation and funeral provider. Take time to learn some of the following jargon so you’re not completely in the dark when making arrangements:

Direct or immediate cremation – A direct or immediate cremation is usually the simplest cremation option being offered by the provider, and usually occurs shortly following your loved one’s passing.

Viewing – A viewing is when friends and family members of your loved one can view their body one final time prior to cremation or burial after their body as been properly prepared for viewing.

Memorial service – A memorial service is held in honor of your loved one when their body is not present, and usually occurs following cremation.

Celebration of life service – A celebration of life service is a service that celebrates and recognizes the humorous and positive aspects of your loved one’s life.

2. Shop around for a cremation provider
Since cremation is typically a simple, worry-free, and low-cost alternative to a funeral and burial, you’ll want to choose a cremation provider that offers a number of different cremation and memorial service options. In many cases, cremation providers are willing to travel to your location to simplify the experience for you during your time of mourning, so you may have more freedom with choosing a cremation provider that resides outside of your town or region.

3. Ask for itemized pricing information
A cremation and burial may be associated with one or more fees that cover transportation costs, viewing preparation, an urn, casket, and more. When working with a cremation provider, ask to see an itemized list of prices for the service you choose to avoid being responsible for any fees you may not have been initially aware of. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission enforces a law known as The Funeral Rule, which requires that all cremation and funeral providers disclose all necessary fees and costs that go into a cremation or memorial service.

4. Learn the difference between mandatory and optional service fees
Certain services and fees included in the process of cremation or burial may differ between cremation and funeral providers. Also, keep in mind that the embalming process is not required if your loved one will be buried or cremated shortly after passing.

Services that are often considered optional include:

•Embalming and body preparation

•Use of the funeral home, staff, and equipment for funerals and memorial services

•Use of a limousine or hearse

•Casket or urn

•Outer burial container

At Heartland Cremation, we understand that cremation is a simple and worry-free way of remembering and memorializing your loved one, and that is why we will work with you in arranging a simple cremation service. For more information, please contact Heartland Cremation at one of our greater Kansas City area locations.

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