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Cremations
Cremation is a process in which the body is placed in an
inexpensive container and taken to the crematory where it
is placed in a retort, exposed to intense heat, and reduced
to ashes. The ashes (called cremains) may then be stored
in an urn or other receptacle or be otherwise dealt with
by the survivors.
Just like burial, cremations can occur after a funeral where
the casket is present at a place of worship or funeral chapel.
Likewise, cremations can occur before or after a memorial
service. The urn may be present for the memorial service,
depending on the family's wishes.
As with burials, a cremations funeral may be preceded by
a period of visitation or a reception at the funeral home
or mortuary. During this time and before the service, the
casket may be open or closed, according to the preferences
of the survivors. Instead of a public visitation, some families
opt to receive friends at their residence or other location,
which is another matter of personal choice. After cremations,
a public or private service may be arranged for the final
placement of the cremated remains.
Cremations
usually costs less than the traditional full-service funeral...you
may wish to consider this when determining funeral
costs. Direct cremation and scattering of the ashes
is probably the least expensive alternative if cremation
is the chosen method of disposition. However, if a memorial
service is desired to accompany the scattering of ashes,
there will likely be additional costs (see below).
If
an undertaker is used to transport the body, obtain permits,
and file the death certificate, the fee for services may
run well over $1,000. If a visitation or a funeral service
is held before cremation, the charges will be higher. Costs
for cremations (without memorial service) may include:
• A suitable container such as cardboard, knock-down-wood,
pressboard, fiberboard, or composition container
• The cremation itself
• Transportation of the body and cremated remains
• An urn or other container for the ashes
• Burial in a niche in a columbarium (a special building
designed to hold cremation urns) or in a burial plot (if
either is desired)
• Memorial plaque
• Perpetual care costs for columbarium or cemetery
• Scattering of the ashes, unless done personally
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