What should be Included in Cremation Planning

While many people are familiar with traditional funeral planning, they may be unaware as to what constitutes good cremation planning. With the number of families choosing cremation on the rise, it makes sense to know what to expect when you are considering this option for yourself or for a loved one.

When, where and how to scatter ashes should figure into cremation planning. There are no right or wrong choices for deciding how to do this. A number of factors should be taken into consideration, including how the next of kin might feel about certain methods of ash scattering. If you’re planning to have remains scattered at sea or by air, remember that this will take a bit of extra coordination before this can be accomplished.

The memorial service itself may be different from one that includes a traditional burial. When choosing how the memorial service will be handled, think about whether cremation will be done before or after visitation. An advantage to having it done after a funeral service is that the deceased can be presented for viewing by friends and family members. This can be more comforting for those who are used to traditional memorial services in which they view the body of the recently departed. A cremation prior to the memorial service might be more desirable when the affair is an intimate and private gathering.

Special cremation caskets are available and are made from completely combustible materials. For many people who are planning a cremation, it can be comforting for them to pick out this casket ahead of time. This is especially true whenever a public viewing of the body is also being planned. The deceased can either be placed in a combustible casket for viewing, or a ceremonial casket could be rented from a funeral home instead.

One of the biggest considerations regarding cremation is potential resistance from friends and family members who have a hard time accepting the idea. Many people have a preconceived notion that cremation is cold and impersonal, and may reject the idea altogether. If you have family members who fit this category, it can be helpful to talk with them about the benefits of cremation ahead of time. By dispelling some of the negative images associated with it, you might just find them more accepting of your decision when the time eventually comes.

At Heartland Cremation, we understand that planning a cremation is a serious matter. We want to make sure all your questions and concerns are handled in a dignified manner. Contact us for more information on planning this end-of-life event.