Cremation is a method of body disposition that offers an alternative to the traditional practice of burial in a coffin or casket. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its affordability and flexibility compared to traditional funeral and burial options.
Whether you have already chosen to have your loved one cremated or are still undecided, understanding different types of cremation makes it easier for you to create the ideal funeral arrangement for your loved one. For all kinds, the cremation process is the same. The major differences are in cost and the availability of funeral services.
Scroll down to see five different types of cremation.
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is the most popular and cost-effective method of cremation. It is also known as simple cremation or cremation without a service. In this process, the body is cremated after death, and no funeral ceremonies are held. Hence, the absence of visitation helps lower embalming expenses and the cost of an expensive casket, funeral arrangements, and hosting services.
Families typically cover the costs of transporting the deceased to the cremation venue and the associated fees.
Attended Cremation
An attended cremation is also known as personal or private cremation. It is still a pared-back cremation without a hearse. It also offers the opportunity to hold a small, private service with a select group of loved ones before the cremation.
Attended cremations follow the same procedures as direct cremations in caring for the deceased. However, up to 20 family members and friends can be invited to attend a simple 20-minute service, usually the day’s first service. This gives you a chance to briefly observe the coffin at the crematorium.
Bio-Cremation
Using alkali and water, you can break down the remains of deceased people into bone fragments. During cremation, the deceased is placed under pressure in a stainless-steel cremation chamber. After adding 5 percent alkali and 95 percent water, the solution reaches 302°F. The body is broken down by using alkali and water solutions, producing sterilized liquid and processed bone fragments. The process involves recirculating bone fragments using heat, alkali, and water. The decision to choose a temporary or permanent funeral urn lies with the family.
Memorial Cremation Services
Memorial cremation differs from traditional cremation in not involving in-person services. Instead, the body is typically cremated shortly after death. Doing so avoids the need to hold cremation services immediately after a loved one’s death. However, most memorial cremations take place within a week or two. After that, the cremated remains are placed in a suitable container, typically an urn, and may be displayed during the memorial service or kept in a meaningful location.
More often than not, the remains become a part of the memorial, providing a last opportunity for visitors to pay their respects. However, the cremated remains are not required to be present. Some people may choose to conduct a service without them, opting to honor the departed’s memory with images, music, and presentations.
Traditional Funeral Service Followed by Cremation
Some families prefer to have a visitation or wake as part of their loved one’s final services. This public viewing allows family and friends to have a final look at the deceased’s body. The family typically covers the cost of renting a casket for the visitation, and the cremation procedure follows the funeral service.
This is one of the most expensive types of cremation services. In addition to paying for the embalming process and casket rental, the family often bears the cost of transporting the body from the funeral home to the church and then back to the cremation chamber. This option also requires rapid post-death services.
