There are some things to think about when choosing between cremation and burial. Families may come across some distress with cremation and conflict from family members for a range of personal reasons. A funeral director has the skills and knowledge to help resolve these issues. However, a lot of of them are personal opinions and choices that can only be determined upon by you and your family.



• Find out if your family will be comfortable with cremation.

• Discuss the possibility of direct cremation if that is an option.

• Carefully consider what to do with the cremains.

• If you choose not to have a funeral beforehand, consider your options for a memorial service after-the-fact.

If your loved one has expressed that they wish to be cremated upon their death then provide those materials to your loved ones. Explain that you are honoring the request of the deceased. Maybe there is no documentation to support your decision and you have made your decision based on affordability. Again, show those that have a problem with the process of cremation why you have made this decision. Finally, offer them support materials. There is fear in the unknown so maybe if they have the cremation process explained thoroughly to them it will help. Some family members are disturbed at the thought of death itself, much less cremation, which many perceive as a cold and uninvolved process. They may resist your wishes when the time comes. Try to put their unease at rest by presenting them with facts and a calm rational attitude.

With a direct cremation the body is cremated shortly after death, without embalming. The cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container. No viewing or visitation is involved, although a memorial service may be held, with or without the cremated remains present. The remains can be kept in the home, buried or placed in a crypt or niche in a cemetery, or buried or scattered in a favorite spot. Direct cremation usually costs less than the "traditional," full-service funeral. Direct cremation may be a good choice for those who do not wish to have a traditional funeral service or viewing.

Scattering requests should be given careful consideration before carrying them out. Another factor you should consider when deciding whether or not to choose cremation include the fact that crematories are operated by dedicated people with great respect for the deceased.

A memorial service is a service hosted by the deceased without the presence of a body. A memorial is usually given after a burial, donation of the body to an institution, cremation (sometimes the cremains are present), entombment in a mausoleum or crypt, or a burial at sea. There are times when such a service can be held at the funeral home and will include prayers, poems, or songs to remember the deceased. Usually, photographs of your loved one are displayed.