Many people have started exploring the differences between a traditional cremation and a traditional funeral for their loved ones at the time of their death. Other people are considering these options when they want to preplan their final wishes and take the burden off their families.
What Is a Traditional Cremation?
A
traditional cremation has many similarities to a traditional funeral. You will pick a casket that your loved one will be cremated in later. The casket is used for viewing and visitation, as well as for the memorial or celebration of life service.
The viewing and service can take place at a funeral home, or at the family’s place of worship. The casket can be open or closed depending on the wishes and traditions of the family. A reception can also be held following the memorial or celebration of life service.
After the service, the cremation takes place. The remains are then given to the family in an urn they selected for them to take home or interned if they so desire. If the remains are being interned, some families choose to have a graveside service to say their final goodbyes.
What Is a Traditional Funeral?
A traditional funeral is what most people think about after a loved one passes away. Planning a funeral requires
choosing a casket, deciding on visitation and viewing times, and the
funeral service.
The visitation and viewing normally take place at the funeral home. The funeral service is either held at the funeral home or at the family’s place of worship. After the funeral service, the casket is then transported to a cemetery for interment.
Some people choose to have one more short service to say their goodbyes at the graveside before the casket is lowered into the ground. A reception is often held afterward either at the funeral home or another location of the family’s choosing.
As you can see, there are several similarities between a traditional cremation and a traditional funeral. The main difference between the two is whether the remains are cremated or not. It is important to keep in mind that we only shared a general overview of these two options.
Families are free to customize a traditional cremation or a traditional funeral to fit their specific needs and the wishes of their departed loved ones. Additionally, if there are specific family traditions or
cultural traditions that are to be included, those can be arranged as well.
Which Option Is Better for My Loved One?
It really depends on your loved one’s final wishes and desires. It could equally depend on your religious beliefs. There is no right or wrong way to say your goodbyes whether you choose a cremation or a funeral.
By taking the time to find out what is involved with funeral planning now instead of later, you can make the right decisions, so your loved ones won’t have to later.
Tip #1: Understand the funeral planning process.
A lot goes into planning and holding a funeral. You have to decide on what type of service you want, decide between
cremation or
burial. You have to pick a casket or urn, find someone to officiate the service, pick out flowers, choose music, and so on. A funeral director can go over every detail with you and answer any questions you have.
Tip #2: Find out how much your funeral is going to cost.
Funerals can be a financial burden on your family if you don’t preplan and prepay for it. One good thing about preplanning is you can inquire about a payment plan so you can make monthly payments on the total cost now so your funeral will be paid for later.
Tip #3: Create a custom package that fits your needs.
Some funeral packages have more than what you want or need. Ask for a breakdown and itemized list of costs. Work with a funeral director who will allow you to customize your package with exactly what you want nothing more.
Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to shop around.
Most of us don’t walk into the first car dealership and drive home with a new car. We shop around and compare prices, amenities, and other such things to determine which dealership will earn our business. Planning a funeral and paying for it should be considered a major purchase.
Tip #5: Get your family involved in the planning process.
You won’t be there to tell them exactly what you wanted or answer any questions that they might have. By getting then involved now, you can clearly convey what you want, answer their questions, and ensure your wishes will be carried out as you intended.
Tip #6: Get a travel insurance policy.
If you decide to prepay for your funeral, make sure you look into the Guaranteed Travel Assurance Plan. The reality is that in your retirement years, you probably want to enjoy and travel the world. For your peace of mind, you can add this one-time charge of $495 that will protect you and your Spouse in the case of a sudden death 100 km away from the place of the residence. It will take care of all the above preparation for the family so that they don’t need to be concerned about the logistics of bringing you home.