Cremation Options
A common misconception about cremation is to think there is only one way of having a cremation service. Cremation offers several options for honoring your loved one in a meaningful way. Every family is different and has unique needs and wishes, and our funeral home is proud to offer families an array of affordable cremation options. To help you make an informed decision, we have listed the services available for you.
What is Direct Cremation?
Direct Cremation is a simple and low-cost cremation option, in which the deceased’s body is cremated right away. After the cremation, the ashes are picked up or sent to the families, and there is no visitation, viewing, or any other end-of-life ceremonies, making it an easy-to-plan option.
The ashes can be placed in a container of choice, such as an urn. Families may want this option if they are not ready to have a funeral service right away or if the deceased did not want the family to have a service at all. Direct cremation offers flexibility as the family can take their time to decide if they want to do with the ashes afterward, whether is it just to keep them or have a memorial service or an ash scattering ceremony.
Cremation with a Service
Funeral service is a ceremony that serves to celebrate, honor, and remember the life of the deceased. Holding a funeral is a way of offering comfort and peace to the family and friends, providing a communal support system for mourners. For this service, the deceased will be cremated prior to the funeral service. The ashes will be placed in the container of your choice. Then, we will hold a funeral service in honor of your loved one.
Funeral services can take place at a funeral home, in a church, or even at your home, and they often include prayer, the singing of hymns, a eulogy, and readings. Typically, the ashes in their desired container are present. Families choose this option if they do not want a viewing of their loved one’s body but still want a traditional funeral service. Whether traditional or unique, the funeral service can be personalized to reflect the individuality of your loved one.
Cremation with a Graveside Service
When choosing a graveside service for cremation, the deceased’s body will be cremated prior to the service. Then, friends and family will gather by the deceased’s grave plot for a formal funeral service. This often includes prayer, the singing of hymns, a eulogy, and readings. At the end of the service, the deceased’s ashes will be buried — they can be buried as is or in a selected container such as an urn. This kind of service allows family and friends to be present as their loved one is transferred to his or her final disposition through ground burial
Cremation with a Celebration of Life Service
Life Service Similar to the services above, the deceased will be cremated prior to the celebration of life service. However, a celebration of life service is not necessarily the same as a traditional funeral service. It often takes place after the funeral service. This service option gives families more options for creativity and can be held in any venue of their choosing. It’s a time for family and friends to gather and share memories of the deceased.
Ash Scattering Services
A common way to honor your loved one after they’ve been cremated is to plan an ash scattering ceremony. This type of ritual helps the family members and friends to find peace and closure, and it can be a beautiful way of celebrating the memory of the loved one.
Depending on the ash scattering method, some ceremony types may be better suited than others. For example, with casting, you may choose to have a formal ceremony with the release of wildflower seeds, biodegradable paper lanterns, or another environmentally friendly option in addition to your loved one’s ashes. The ceremony agenda can include readings, songs, eulogies, or other personalized elements. Ash scattering ceremonies can be personalized so the family finds a better way to honor the memories of their loved one. Our funeral home can help you organize a ceremony where your loved one's ashes are scattered in a location of your choice. A key point for this cremation service is finding a location that was of significance to your loved one.
*Of course, with any of these services, you can choose to have a viewing before cremation. With this option, the deceased will be embalmed and prepared for viewing. Then later on they are cremated, and the family will receive their ashes.
At Schildknecht Funeral Home & Cremation Services, we value giving families several cremation options, so they have the opportunity to honor their loved ones in a meaningful way. Our dedicated and experienced staff is available to help you through the whole process, guaranteeing you will have a positive experience working with our funeral home.
If you have any additional questions about the cremation process and any of the other services we offer, please reach out to us. We are happy to help your family in any way.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
.jpg)
