Few people are comfortable talking about death, but sooner or later we’re all going to come to the same fate. Many of us may also be called on during our lifetimes to be the one in charge of the final details of a loved one’s life. Legal matters will need to be tended to. Bills will need to be paid. And if the deceased has not made prior arrangements before their death, funeral arrangements including whether the body will be embalmed or cremated will need to be decided.
Why Cremation?
There are several reasons why cremation has gained popularity over the years, but the top reason by far is its affordability. Cremation allows decision-makers to bypass funeral services including the purchase of a casket, and with cremation, there is no sense of urgency to purchase a burial plot or headstone.
Cremation is also a practical choice. Many cemeteries are running out of burial space and with families these days more on the move, the once-traditional family plot has become less commonplace. In addition, cremation allows family and other loved ones the flexibility to decide later when and where to inter the ashes or if they wish instead to scatter them somewhere that holds special meaning.
If you’ve found yourself to be the designated decision-maker for the final disposition of a loved one but have no idea where to start or what to look for in a provider, below are three important considerations.
1. Look for Compassion and Professionalism
For a cremation service provider, dealing with death is a daily activity, quite simply, part of the job. For family, however, the weight of that loss is far more acute. A good service provider’s staff should be a source of comfort, exemplifying equal parts compassion and professionalism. It’s not uncommon for families to be paralyzed by their grief, and they should be able to rely on staff for guidance and understanding during that difficult time.
2. Consider an Established Cremation Provider
Licensed cremation providers are organizations of members who share an interest in having their bodies cremated after they die. Through such organizations, members can budget and plan for their memorials in advance and include any final wishes in their directions. They are often connected with licensed funeral directors. While many services only sell cremation service packages to the public, some leading providers of direct cremation services own and operate their own crematories thereby providing a quicker and more economical turn-around time.
3. Look for a Provider That Offers a Full Range of Services
While death may come to all of us, the way we say goodbye differs from family to family. Some service providers offer only cremation services while others offer packages to include a memorial service and other amenities. Some providers have even begun offering eco-friendly water cremation services over traditional flame cremation. In addition, a good licensed and accredited cremation service provider should offer a variety of personalized urns and other keepsakes such as jewelry to hold ashes to remember a loved one by. As with all options, be sure to obtain a written quote.