People consider the economics of it, but some also prefer to be cremated for either religious reasons or for personal reasons. What some must understand about cremation services is that it not only saves money, but it also saves time and is environmentally friendly in regards to the ashes.

Some will consider the path of cremation to fulfill wishes that are conducive to them, but whatever the case may be, money and space are being saved. However, one thing people must understand is that not all funeral homes have cremation services, but the majority of them will.

As far as services are concerned, one will need to check with the funeral home to see what kinds of services they provide outside of cremation. After cremation is complete the ashes are set in an urn. After the urn is filled the owners or descendants will have options on what to do with the remains after the service if there is one.

Depending on what kind of urn you desire will determine the price. At times, the funeral homes will have customized urns or pre designed ones, but one will look at urns from anywhere from $20 up to $1000, sometimes more. Of course the choice is for the individuals themselves and no one else.

When you think about it, when is pre-planning for anything inevitable a bad idea? The same theory applies to funeral planning in my opinion. Unfortunately, many people put off planning for this final event in their lives, choosing by default to let others handle these details for them when that time comes. More times than not, those forced to complete these final planning arrangements for others are doing so on one the worst days of their life.

Unlike at-need funeral planning, pre-need funeral planning allows an opportunity to make important decisions in a much less stressful environment. Pre-planning funeral services can also lead to lower funeral costs as emotional overspending is generally not a factor.

Today most funeral homes offer multiple options for those desiring to meet with a funeral director to make pre-plans for themselves or other loved ones. It is no longer necessary in most areas to visit a firm to prearrange services. Many firms will now come to your residence if desired to make these most important plans. Many families have commented to me through the years about how much less stressful it was to make these plans away from the funeral home. I learned long ago that many people’s reluctance to do advance planning was actually based on coming to the funeral home for fear of awakening sad and depressing memories of loved ones past funerals held at the facility.

Pre-planning funeral services also offers other opportunities that will lower stress when the death occurs. Many facilities offer “price freeze” and discount offerings on merchandise and services for those who choose to make formal pre-need arrangements.
Much misinformation regarding this particular aspect of pre-planning is being written by those claiming to be experts, usually touting only one particular “funeral methodology” that limits a person’s choices. This results in only adding to a family’s funeral planning stress in my opinion. Unfortunately and sadly, many fall prey to this novice and shortsighted advice, which ultimately only harms those who need these savings benefits the most as funeral costs continue to rise.

I can honestly say that in my nearly thirty years of funeral service experience, I have never had a family tell me they were sorry they preplanned or for that matter pre-funded a funeral or cremation. On the other hand, I have had many families tell me that they wish they had.

As a funeral director I would urge anyone to consider pre-need funeral planning. Don’t just take my advice, talk with friends and family you trust who have done this. I’m convinced when you do, they will give you the same advice I have. This is the best way to guarantee yourself and your family a truly less stressful funeral.

* Where the cremation will take place. Whether you deal with a funeral home or not, the cremation process will take place at the crematorium. Funeral homes have certain crematoriums that they use but if you are not using a funeral home then you will locate one on your own.

* Viewing or visitation. An ever increasing number of families are requesting cremation services. Cremation services options are:

Full service cremation includes visitation with public viewing and funeral service held at the funeral home or at a place of worship. This service usually also includes a private family viewing arranged at your convenience. These arrangements require embalming by company policy and, in most cases, by state law. At the end of the service or ceremony, family and friends are dismissed and the decedent is taken to the crematory for cremation.

Full service cremation with a public viewing or visitation the same day as the service. The service may be scheduled either daytime or evening.

Public viewing followed by cremation and then a graveside committal service.

Public viewing followed by cremation but without a committal service, with cremated remains returned to the family.

* Costs associated with cremation Cremations are typically much less expensive than ground burials for many reasons. For example, in many cases a cremation is not preceded by a funeral. If a funeral is held before the cremation, very often the casket is rented for the duration of the funeral instead of purchased. Similarly, remains that are to be cremated are often not embalmed for a wake or visitation.

* Caskets choices. If a funeral is planned, you have choices as to what kind of casket you use. Most casket makers have specially made caskets for cremation which allow both the coffin and the remains to be burned at once. Very often, a casket can also be rented at the funeral home to be used for any planned services.

As a rule, the top thing for you to do for you and your family is to pre-plan. Advanced preparation will ease a lot of the trouble when the time of death truly comes. Nevertheless, I know that logically, this can’t always take place. Death is not always expected, in any case.

About the Author

Hal is the author of several critically acclaimed eBooks specifically written to help people deal with end of life issues. His eBooks include topics such as: cremation, writing and delivering a eulogy, eco-friendly green funerals, funeral planning, organ donation, and buying and selling cemetery plots. To find out more about his CemeterySpot family of free services and resources, to learn more about his books, and to get a free gift, please visit: http://www.cemeteryspot.com.