Cremation services such as the St. Petersburg cremation services are growing in popularity because it is more environmentally friendly than burial. In some countries, cremation is a legal requirement as well as the most common religious practice. Choosing to cremate your loved one has many advantages, but there are some things that you should know about cremation before making your final and permanent decision. Here are a few things you should be aware of when making your choice.
1. There are three categories of cremation: direct, indirect, and combustible.
Most people choose a direct cremation, where the deceased is cremated immediately after the body is removed from the coffin by using a large furnace that has been heated. A direct cremation requires no preparation prior to cremation and only takes two to three hours to complete. The main benefit of this type of cremation is that it is the least expensive way to dispose of the deceased in an environmentally friendly manner.
2. You can still have a funeral.
Even if you choose to have a direct cremation, there will still be a service to remember and mourn your loved one and for the family. Most services follow a similar format. First, there is a viewing of the body, then a procession to the crematory, where the body is placed in the cremation chamber, and then it is lowered into the furnace. Once completed, your family will proceed to an area designated for them. Here there will be a time of prayer, contemplation, or even amusement, such as music and sharing memories of the deceased. Many families choose to scatter ashes at this time, but if you do not, this does not mean that it cannot be done later.
3. You will never be cremated with other people.
It is illegal to have multiple bodies cremated at the same time. This is why many funeral homes offer direct cremations. However, if a family member requests to be cremated together, they can be cremated together, but they must be separated by a fire-resistant wall so that there is no mixing of ashes.
4. You should shop around.
A direct cremation is usually the least expensive way to cremate a loved one, and many funeral homes offer these. Before making your final decision, you should browse around to see what is offered in your area. Ask for an itemized price list and compare prices. You may be surprised that you can save a great deal of money by shopping around.
5. You have more options for personalization.
Many of today's urns have a choice of initials on them. There are also accent colors to choose from, as well as names and dates of birth. These are all great ways to personalize the container you will use for your loved one's cremains.
Cremation services have been growing in popularity, not only because it is more environmentally friendly than burial but also for religious reasons. Depending on the country where you live, it may be required by law or as a popular practice. Even if your loved one is cremated by a funeral home, this does not mean that they will not have a service to remember them and share stories. There are certainly many advantages to choosing cremation, and with some planning, you can have a beautiful event that honors your loved one while saving the planet at the same time.
Sorensen Funeral Home
3180 30th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL, 33713,
(727) 323-5111