Alternatives To A Traditional Funeral Service

Traditional funerals and wakes have been a staple in American culture for centuries. While they may be viewed as ‘respectful’ and ‘dignified’, the reality is that these services are often very expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining for those who must organize them (both the deceased’s family as well as their guests).

Therefore, with the rising costs of traditional funerals, many people are now opting for alternatives. They range from low-key, private services to more eclectic and theatrical gatherings reminiscent of celebrations of life.

The Following Are Alternatives To A Traditional Funeral

I. Cremation

Many people are choosing cremation over traditional funerals for a number of reasons. First, it is much less expensive than a burial. Second, families can have the service whenever and wherever they choose (whether in their homes, in a park or garden setting, or at another location that holds special meaning to them). Third, there is no need for a headstone or grave marker because the ashes of the deceased are scattered, buried, or placed in an urn and given to family members.

II. A ‘Green’ Funeral

More and more families are opting for natural or green burials. They require no embalming fluids, so there is no need to preserve the body in any way (prior to cremation or burial). Also, they do not call for metal caskets which results in less of an environmental impact than traditional caskets.

III. A Personalized Event

Some families are choosing to have a memorial service that is more personalized in nature, with activities that the deceased loved during their lifetime. This could include dancing, listening to favorite songs, gardening, doing art projects, or simply spending quality time together in honor of the person who has passed away.

IV. A Living Memorial

It is becoming increasingly popular for families to build memorials in honor of their loved one who has passed away. These can be anything from building benches at a local park or garden, planting trees, to putting up plaques with the names of family members who have died (and why) along bike paths and trails .

V. Private Services

Much like funerals, there are some families who prefer to keep the service very private and intimate. This might be due to religious beliefs or other factors. Whatever the reason, it is perfectly acceptable for someone to choose this option regardless of whether their loved one died recently or several years ago.

When someone dies, family and friends often want to do something for the deceased and/or their loved ones. They may not be aware of any alternatives to a traditional funeral so they simply plan one without truly considering their options. However, after learning about all of the possible alternatives outlined in this article, it is very likely that you feel more motivated to do something special in honor of your loved one.

What Are The Benefits of Direct Cremation?

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, and often times it is something that we do not adequately prepare for ahead of time. In addition to the overwhelming grief one often experiences, there are added responsibilities such as planning the funeral. In recent years, a growing trend has become increasingly popular across the united states. This trend, known as direct cremation, offers the most affordable post death option. A direct cremation means that body is cremated within days of the deceased passing and there is no funeral service beforehand.

Because there is no viewing behind you can save a lot of money as you are not burdened with extra costs associated with embalming and preparing the body for a visitation and viewing. However, you may still opt to have a memorial service for your loved one if you so choose to do so, just at a greatly reduced cost.

Saving Money With Direct Cremations

Because there are no funeral services involved, this cremation option allows for someone to direct engage the services of a crematorium. Doing so cuts out the middle man method of going through a funeral home to arrange the cremation, thus reducing the cost.

In this method the body is usually cremated in a simple container rather than a fancy and expensive casket. Caskets are one of the most expensive aspects of a funeral, often costing thousands of dollars. Opting for direct cremation saves one a lot of money by eliminating the most common and expensive costs that are associated with a traditional funeral and burial service. All told directly cremating the deceased remains is the most cost effective form of honoring your loved ones. It is recommend that you reach out to several cremation services provider so that you can find the option that best fits your budget.

How to Pre-Plan Your Own Direct Cremation

Whether you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness you are just a worrier who plans likes to plan ahead, planning your own cremation is an option. If you do not want to burden your friends and family with the excess costs associated with a traditional funeral and burial, you can pre-arrange your own direct cremation. Some crematoriums and cremation service providers offer the option for you to pay for your own cremation ahead of time. Some providers will even offer you the option to set up payment plans in order to pay. If this is something that may be of interest you to we suggest reaching out to some funeral homes and crematoriums in your area and discussing your goals and plans with them. One provider we recommend is Eternal Cremations – Direct Cremation Services as they will be able to answer any questions you may have and help you discover the best options that are available to fulfill your individual needs.

If you are interested in exploring more about the option of planning ahead, check out this webpage on EverPlans for additional information: https://www.everplans.com/articles/how-to-pre-plan-cremation