How do you arrange a cremation for a loved one? For yourself? Should you pre-pay for cremation? Here’s a helpful guide.
Arranging for a cremation is usually much simpler than coordinating a traditional funeral and burial, because there are fewer elements involved.
Planning for yourself
Some people find it unsettling to plan for their own funerals or cremations. Others take comfort in knowing that if they plan ahead, their wishes will be carried out. And their family and loved ones will be spared unnecessary detail and decisions on their behalf. Either way, here is what you should be thinking about.
Talk to a funeral director or cremation service
The best way to learn about the options available to you is to talk to a local funeral home or cremation provider. These professionals will be happy to discuss your options, advise you and your family, and make the necessary arrangements for you. It is what they do.
To find a nearby provider who handles cremations, search here.
Think about your preferences
With cremation, you have many options for your funeral and memorial arrangements. You are not limited to certain ‘correct’ or ‘proper’ protocols for final services or memorials involving a cremation.
You can have a traditional open-casket or closed-casket viewing and visitation in a funeral home, followed by cremation.
You can also arrange for a religious service or memorial with your body present, followed by cremation.
Or, you can arrange with your funeral home or cremation provider for a direct cremation. After you die, your body will be taken directly to a crematory. The cremated remains (“ashes”) will then be returned to family, or whoever you specify. You can then have the ashes scattered, buried, placed in an urn, or placed in a columbarium.
Or, you can arrange for your own memorial services, personalized however you wish for family and friends -- without the limitations and constraints of a cemetery burial.
You may also arrange memorial services, or final placement services for your ashes.
Your funeral provider may also suggest other options and alternatives for your particular wishes.
Prepaying for cremation
In most states, it is possible to prepay for a cremation for yourself or a loved one. The idea is that, arranging and paying for your cremation now, it will greatly simplify things for your survivors. (Or if you’re not sure who your survivors might be.)
Typically, you pay in advance for the cremation itself, and for any ancillary services such as an urn or columbarium space. When you die, your survivors simply contact the provider and have the cremation conducted as planned --- without paying anything themselves, or from your estate.
This option may also save money, in that your final expenses are already fixed, and will not increase when you die, even if costs typically increase by then.
Arrangements for a loved one
If you need to arrange a cremation for a family member or friend, it is usually best to contact a funeral home or cremation provider as soon as possible after death, or when death is imminent.
To find a local provider, or a provider in a distant city, search here.
From there, you can rely on the knowledge and experience of your funeral provider to advise you about the many ways to conduct and viewings and/or memorials, as described above.
Other articles you’ll find helpful:
How can I find a funeral home that handles cremation?
Can I still have a funeral and services with cremation?
Is embalming required with a cremation?
Do I need to buy a casket for cremation?
Where can I scatter ashes?
What are the ashes like?
Should I pre-pay for a cremation?
Must I request cremation in my will?
