Cremation is the process of reducing a human body to ashes by exposing it to high temperatures. It is an alternative to traditional burial.

Nonetheless, choosing cremation does not rob you of the opportunity to honor your loved one. Here is a bit of information about the advantages of cremation and how viewings can still take place.

Advantages of Cremation Services

Cremation can offer multiple advantages, including:

• Affordability. Cremation is usually cheaper than burial, as it does not require a casket, a burial plot, a headstone, or other funeral expenses.
• Ecologically responsible. Cremation is more environmentally friendly than burial, as it does not take up land space, use embalming chemicals, or contribute to groundwater pollution.
• Flexibility. Cremation allows more flexibility in choosing how to dispose of the ashes. You can choose to release them in a place that your loved one found meaningful, keep them in a decorative container or urn, or even have them contained in a jewelry or art piece.  
• Timeliness. Cremation can be done quickly, usually within a few days of death, which can help with the grieving process and avoid delays due to legal or religious reasons.

Cremation Services and Viewings

A common question that people have about cremation is whether they can still have a viewing or a visitation before or after the cremation. A viewing or a visitation is a time when family and friends can gather to pay their respects and say goodbye to the deceased person, usually in a funeral home or a chapel. The event can also provide closure and comfort for the bereaved, as well as an opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased person.

You can still have a viewing or a visitation with cremation. There are different options and arrangements that you can choose from. Here are some of the most common ones.

Before Cremation

You can have a viewing before the cremation, with the body present in a casket or a container. The body can be embalmed or not, depending on your choice and the regulations of your state. The casket or the container can be opened or closed, based on your preference and the condition of the body. You can also have a funeral service or a memorial service before the cremation, with the body present or not.

After Cremation

You can have a visitation or funeral after the cremation, with the cremated remains present in an urn or another container. The urn or the container can be displayed on a table, a pedestal, or an altar, along with photos, flowers, candles, and other personal items that honor the deceased person.

To learn more about cremation services, schedule a consultation with a funeral director in your local area.