Why Cremation?
People choose cremation for a variety of reasons.  Some do so based on environmental considerations.  Others have philosophical or religious reasons. Still, others choose cremation because they feel it is simpler and less complicated.  Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you with any questions you may have regarding cremation.

 AVariety Of Options
Many people believe that choosing cremation means limiting your options. Actually, there are a variety of options.  Many people find that opting for cremation gives them the opportunity to create and personalize the various service options for a more meaningful experience. Cremation offers families choices for final disposition of the cremated remains.  And with cremation you have the opportunity to select from a wide array of caskets and urns.

Gatherings And Ceremonies... An Important Part Of Healing
The greatest misunderstanding about cremation is the belief that there is no nedd for services.  However a service or memorial ceremony is an important step in helping the bereaved overcome their grief, and offers family and friends the opportunity to   honor a loved one.

Gathering together for a service aacknowledges the grief of relatives and friends by helping them feel included in the grieving process. Gatherings also allow loved ones to share stories, give eulogies and otherwise reaffirm the value the deceased person had in others’ lives. And, most important of all, these gatherings help the immediate family begin the healing process.


Types Of Services
Services or ceremonies can precede or follow the actual cremation. Prior to cremation, the gathering may be either public or private with an open or closed casket.

When the service follows cremation,  a receptacle (or urn) containing the cremated remains may take a place of prominence.  Following the ceremony, the final disposition of the cremated remains takes place.

Cremation Containers
Cremation containers are available in a wide variety of styles and prices.  When a service has been scheduled, some prefer the design and ornamentation of traditional caskets. 

Cremation caskets are simpler in design, built with less ornamentation and made from different materials. As a result, they are typically less expensive than traditional caskets, yet are crafted with the same quality and care.  They are also appropriate when services have been scheduled.  Caskets can be rented.  Alternative containers are also available and typically made of cardboard.
 

Urns
The selection of the urn is very important since the urn provides both a protective and dignified receptacle for the cremated remains. It can become an important focal point at a memorial service and serve as a permanent memorial to the deceased. Permanent urns are crafted from various materials in a wide range of prices...

Cast Bronze Urns are made of solid bronze offering strength, durability and beauty.  Some have a traditional vase shape, while others are crafted works of art featuring contemporary designs


Wood Urns are crafted from a wider range of wood species.  Each urn is hand finished to enhance the wood’s natural lustre. No other material can duplicate the warmth and beauty of wood.


Marble Urns are fashioned from solid blocks of marble. Natural marble offers distinct and unique veining patterns and is available in various shapes and colors.


Sheet Bronze Urns are constructed of solid bronze sheets and are available in cube or chest shapes. Many feature a beautiful brushed or painted finish which can be enhanced with ornamentation and other personal touches.

Final Disposition
Deciding what will be done with cremated remains will help you decide what kind of urn to select. An urn can be buried in a family plot at a cemetery, placed in a niche at a columbarium, or kept in a home.

Cremated remains may also be scattered over land or water. However many local communities have laws prohibiting scattering.  Your funeral director can advise you of any local ordinances in this regard.

When scattering or any other form of final disposition is chosen, a portion of the cremated remains may be retained in a smaller keepsake urn created to become a focal point memorialization in the home.


Permanent Memorialization
In any case, a permanent memorial - whether through a cemetery marker, planting a tree, or keeping a decorative urn can have important emotional value. A permanent memorial establishes a place where current and future generations can go to remember a departed loved one.