Planning a funeral can be very difficult, as losing a loved one is incredibly saddening. If your loved one had requested to be cremated, you may have some questions about what this process entails, and how it may affect any funeral plans that you have. Use the following information to learn more about cremation, and how to plan a funeral for a person who wished to be cremated:
Rent a Casket
If you wish to have a viewing or an open casket funeral for a deceased loved one who is to be cremated, you can typically rent a casket from the funeral home that you are working with. This will help you save money on funeral expenses-- in most cases your can arrange to purchase a stiff cardboard box to be used for an actual cremation, Talk to your funeral director about the options so you and you family can make the best decision.
Purchase an Urn
After a body is cremated, the family members will be able to receive the cremated remains. It is in your best interest to purchase an urn to hold your loved one's remains. This makes it easier to transport the remains from the crematorium, and many people experience a sense of comfort when their loved one's remains are in a beautiful urn. After taking possession of the urn and your loved one's remains, you can then decide whether you want to bury or place the remains in a tomb, keep them in your home, or scatter the ashes in an area that your deceased loved one enjoyed visiting.
Witnessing the Cremation
Every family is different; some want to witness the cremation, while others prefer not to. If you want to be present when your loved one is cremated, speak with the funeral director at the funeral home you work with-- he or she will be able to make arrangements with the crematory to ensure that the cremation is scheduled for a time that you can be there.
Traveling with Crematory Remains
It is not uncommon for a person who wished to be cremated to ask for their ashes to be scattered in a specific place. If you plan to travel by air with cremated remains, it is in your best interest to contact the airlines to find out what their policy is. Some airlines may not allow cremated remains to be transported in checked baggage, so you may need a good travel plan to carry the remains in your carry on luggage.
For more tips, talk with someone like American Cremation Society.
