Death is a natural part of life and it’s important that as individuals, we prepare for it. While burial has been a traditional method of laying our loved ones to rest, cremation has been growing in popularity as a more cost-effective and flexible way to honor and remember the deceased.
But just what is cremation? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cremation, including its process, cost, and aftercare.
Contents
What is Cremation?
Cremation is the process of reducing a body to ashes through heating it in a crematory. The body is typically placed in a cremation container and then placed in a special furnace that is heated to extremely high temperatures, ranging from 1,400 degrees to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The intense heat causes the body to break down until all that’s left are bone fragments. These fragments are then ground down into a fine powder, which is then placed in an urn or other container and given to the family of the deceased.
This allows for the ashes to be kept close by or scattered in a significant place, such as a favorite location of the deceased.
Cremation Costs
The cost of cremation can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the location of the crematorium, the funeral home costs, and the type of service the family chooses. On average, cremation can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000.
It’s worth noting that some families opt for direct cremation, which is a more straightforward process with minimal services. This can cost as low as $500. It’s important to do your research and make sure you understand the costs involved for the cremation services you’re leaning towards.
Cremation Final Arrangements
Once the cremation process is complete, the family may choose to create a meaningful and heartfelt ceremony to honor the deceased. Many families choose to keep the ashes inside a special urn in a significant location, while others opt for burial of the ashes in a designated area, like a burial garden or burial plot.
If the family chooses to bury the ashes, it’s necessary for the ashes to be scattered or buried in a special location, based on the local regulations.
What to do with ashes
The decision of what to do with ashes is vital because it’s the final memory and symbol of your loved one. Some common ways people may choose to honor their loved ones’ memories with ashes are to spread them in a place significant to the deceased or the family, releasing them in water, or burying them in a special urn or container.
In most cases, the funeral home or crematorium will offer you some ideas on what to do with ashes. Still, you can reach out to a trusted funeral planner to help you create a unique and memorable ceremony to give a final resting place for your loved one.
Conclusion:
Cremation may be an option that is not widely discussed, but this method of honoring the deceased’s memory is worth embracing. Not only is it a flexible and budget-friendly choice that eliminates the need for cemetery plots, but it allows a personalized way to celebrate the life of a loved one.
With these basic guidelines on cremation, you’re ready to make informed decisions when it comes to this inevitable concern.