One reality about life is that you will die or lose a loved one at one point. People always have their desires and wishes of how their remains should be handled upon their death. One of the most common requests that people leave behind nowadays is the cremation of their bodies. A deceased loved one may trust you with the responsibility of overseeing their cremation, yet you don't know anything about the process. You have to honor their wishes to show respect. Below is an overview of what cremation is and how it works
What is cremation?
Cremation is the process of disposing of a person's body by burning it into ashes at a high temperature. Cremation can also be liquid-based, where alkali chemicals decompose the body. The cremation process may consume less or more time depending on the procedure and type. Burning in a cremation furnace takes a shorter time than alkali decomposition of the body.
Are there types of cremation services?
There are three common types of cremation services:
1. Direct cremation
That is where a deceased's body is taken directly to a cremation chamber upon their death. It takes the shortest time and saves on cost as there are no expenses for a mortuary, funeral, or memorial services.
2. Cremation with a traditional funeral service
This type of cremation involves conducting a traditional funeral service, and then you proceed to cremate the body instead of burying it. That takes a few days, as it gives room for a funeral service and body viewing.
3. Cremation with a memorial service
In this scenario, a deceased's body cremation is done immediately, like the direct cremation, but you conduct a memorial service afterward. It's suitable when you need time to prepare for an excellent service, although the deceased didn't wish their body to be kept after their demise.
What should you consider before choosing a cremation service?
The following are factors you should consider before choosing cremation services for a loved one:
1. Deceased's wishes
Before choosing a cremation service, the first thing to do is ask yourself what would the deceased have wanted. Following their wishes will guide you in selecting a cremation type and service that fulfills their desires.
2. Religious beliefs
Your religious beliefs can play a significant role in choosing a cremation service for a loved one. For instance, Hindu religious beliefs prefer a cremation service with a traditional burial ceremony involving a priest and family members of the deceased.
3. Cost
The cost is always a factor when choosing a cremation service. In as much you are honoring your loved one, you should not go beyond your budget when settling for a cremation service. Direct cremation without a casket and a funeral service costs less than one with a funeral service.
For more information, contact a local company, like Aspen Mortuaries.
