When you are organizing a funeral for your loved one, you will have to decide whether you want a burial or cremation. It’s a decision only close family members can decide on and it’s often down to personal preference. The person who has passed may also have shared their opinion on what they would have wanted too. You can discuss both options with the funeral director to find out more about both options and then make a decision on what is best for the deceased. If you decide to go down the route of cremation, you may not know where to get started. Therefore, here is our guide to how to plan a cremation service.
Before deciding to cremate
Deciding on a burial or cremation is a tough decision and one which is not to be taken lightly. Here are a few things you need to do before deciding to cremate and arrange a service.
- Learn about cremation options
A traditional cremation
If you decide to go for a traditional cremation, the person who has passed will be placed at the crematorium and the family will hold a service with family and friends. They will likely have visitation before the service begins and the service will include a eulogy, poems and songs like a traditional funeral. The family will then leave and the cremation will occur. The ashes will then be given to the family in a chosen urn who then scatter or bury the ashes.
A memorial service
A memorial differs from a traditional service as this occurs after the cremation. Friends and family can say a few words and reminisce about the passed loved one with the urn at the service. It’s often a more intimate affair with just close friends and family and is a lot shorter than a traditional service.
The cost of cremation services
You also need to consider the cost of cremation services. If you are going to have a service at a different place than the crematorium, this price will need to be factored into the final cost. The cost varies depending on your requirements for the day. If there is a smaller budget, you could consider a smaller, more intimate service such as a memorial after the cremation has occurred.
Who to consult regarding the ashes
You will need to discuss with your funeral director your intentions for ashes. They will help you to make contact with your chosen crematorium and arrange the service. You will also need to put in the documentation that you have decided on the cremation and often sign your consent. You will also need to plan the transportation of the deceased and where you will pick up the ashes after the cremation.
How to plan a cremation service
- Decide when the service will take place
The first thing you will need to do is decide on the type of service you want. You can then arrange with the crematorium when this will be able to occur. It should be within 2 weeks of the person’s death depending on the circumstances. If you are having a memorial, this will often be arranged for after the cremation has taken place.
- Choose an appropriate casket
You will then need to talk to the funeral director about the casket you would prefer for your loved one. It needs to be appropriate for cremation and they can guide you on the best one for this type of funeral.
- Arrange readings and songs for the event
You will then decide what will occur during the service. It might be the case you want the officiant to read out a eulogy about the person who has died. It might be the case you want a close family member or friend to read a poem or prayer. You should also select meaningful songs for the service.
- Invite guests to the service
You need to then ensure everyone knows the date and time of the cremation service. Giving them as much notice as possible is so important for them to make the service.
- Liaise with the funeral director
You need to ensure the fune威而鋼 ral director knows all the essential details regarding the service. They need to know exactly what is happening and they can liaise with the crematorium to ensure the person who has passed is transported to the service.
Other things to consider when planning a cremation
- Arrange the flowers
You might want to arrange flowers for the funeral. They can be displayed on the casket and can be removed before the cremation takes place. You may want to display other flowers in the crematorium for the service. These should be arranged when planning a cremation.
- Your plans for the ashes
You should also plan what you will do with the ashes when you collect them. It might be the case you want to arrange to spread them with family and friends. You also arrange to bury them in a cemetery or private property. It’s also possible to keep the urn in your home until later down the line.
