Estate planning can be complicated. If you can lay out a clear plan, including a document with your final arrangement wishes, your loved ones will have much less to worry about in the emotional days after your death. Cremation services are one option to consider when making final arrangements. Here are four things to think about when determining if cremation is right for you.
1. You can still have a traditional funeral
You can choose to have a traditional religious or secular funeral before or after your cremation. If you choose to have funeral services earlier, many funeral homes offer casket rentals to temporarily house your body during funeral services. Your funeral can take place when and where you have planned it, in the cemetery or at another location. Later, his body will be transported to the crematorium. If your funeral services take place after cremation, your urn may take the place of the casket.
Some religions incorporate cremation into their final services, and many crematoriums allow immediate family members inside to watch the cremation take place. You can make arrangements with the funeral home to plan for your family to hold a small service inside the crematory if you wish.
2. You can still have a traditional burial
While the common perception is that cremations are generally displayed in urns on the mantle or scattered in a significant location, about a third of them are buried. You can choose to have your ashes buried underground or buried above ground in a cemetery.
An undeniable benefit of cremation is the portability of the remains. The urn containing your ashes can be taken with your family as they move from one place to another. Your ashes could also be released in a favorite place. You can even pay to have your remains sent into space! Other options include “huggable urn” teddy bears, placing their ashes in fireworks, and pressing them into vinyl records. Before you make your plans, keep in mind that many places restrict where human remains can be released, so check your local laws to see if your wishes are legally possible.
3. You can save money
Cremation services can be a great way to save your family additional financial stress after your death. They usually cost about a quarter of the cost of a traditional burial. Very simple services can start at $600, although more elaborate funerals and burials can increase the cost to $4,000 or more.
4. You can go green.
Cremation services provide green options. Although fossil fuels are usually burned in the process, advanced filter systems can help reduce the pollution that is released. Choosing a crematorium where you don’t have to be embalmed and where you can use a coffin made from natural materials can also reduce the pollutants involved. You can choose a biodegradable urn to store your ashes for burial, or choose to have your ashes scattered, which has an even lower environmental impact.
Cremation is just one option to consider when planning your final arrangements. Work with your loved ones to develop a plan that allows them to feel peace and brings peace of mind to you.