Saying goodbye to a loved one who has passed on is never easy. But amidst the grief, you need to barrel through and give your loved one the best send-off possible. It is essential to pay homage to the life of the deceased by making the best decisions on ways to honor them and celebrate their life.
Nowadays, cremation is becoming a popular option in interring the deceased. Many people have expressed their wishes that their cremated remains to be placed in beautiful urns. If you are thinking of honoring your loved one through cremation, here are the things that you need to know to make an informed decision.
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1. Memorial or Funeral Service
Contrary to popular belief, you can still hold a traditional funeral even if you choose cremation. You may hold a funeral or memorial service before the cremation.
On the other hand, you may also choose to have the cremation first followed by memorial service at a later date.
Memorial services provide a venue where family and friends can share heartfelt memories about their loved ones. It is also a beautiful way to say goodbye while honoring the life of the deceased.
2. Human Cremation Urns
Before the cremation service, you need to prepare a receptacle for the cremation remains. There are many beautiful urns in various shapes, colors, and sizes.
It would help if you considered the personality of the deceased in choosing the urns. Make sure that the ashes will fit the urn. A rule of thumb would be one cubic centimeter for every pound of the individual’s body weight before death.
In choosing the urn, you need to ensure it is appropriate for its final resting place. If you wish to display it at home, consider the interior design to match the design of the urn. If you decide to bury the urn, choose a marble urn for its strength and durability.
3. Final Resting Place
You have several options for final resting places for the remains of your loved one.
Cemetery
If you choose to bury the cremated remains, you need to coordinate with the cemetery staff so that they can advise you about the required materials for your urn.
At Home
A popular option is displaying the urn at home or in the office. People who have done this say that seeing their loved one’s urn regularly gives them a sense of comfort and protection.
In a Columbarium
Some family members choose a niche in the columbarium to store their loved one’s remains. It offers a serene environment where they can visit and pray from time to time
Incorporate in Jewelry
Some family members want to share the remains of their loved ones among themselves. There is specialized jewelry that can hold a small amount of ashes that can be cherished for years to come.
Scattered in a Special Place
Some people wish for their remains to be scattered in a place they hold dear. Popular options include scattering the ashes at sea, in the forest, or a field.
4. Planning for the Cremation
Seek the assistance of a funeral home officer to coordinate the cremation. Check for the laws in your state as to who is legally allowed to facilitate the cremation. Talk to the local crematories to know about the regulations in your place and the legal documentary requirements.
Losing a loved one is a challenging experience. Thankfully, there is now an option like cremation that can take a load off your shoulders so you can focus on saying goodbye and healing.
