It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements.
You might, for example, choose:
- to have a funeral service before the cremation
- a memorial service at the time of cremation
- a memorial service after the cremation with or without an urn present
- a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains.
Funeral or memorial services can be held in
- a place of worship
- a funeral home
- or in a crematory chapel.
Many times when a family is split regarding the decision to cremate, a compromise may be achieved by having a traditional service first - to be followed by cremation.
It is always best if an agreement can be reached that the family will respect regarding the cremation decision. Discussion with a cremation counselor, funeral director, clergyman, chaplain, or other adviser may help with this decision. If agreement cannot be reached, then before death occurs, the person choosing cremation should prearrange their plans and file them with their chosen cremation provider, in addition to stating these wishes in their will.
