Can I have a Funeral Before I'm Cremated?
- Wesley VanMeter
- Sep 8, 2015
- 2 min read
When it comes to cremation, many people don't realize that there are many options available when it comes to creating a meaningful service in addition to just a "cremation".
Upon the beginning of a funeral arrangement conferece sometimes a family is very up front and say that their loved one was adament about being cremated. I usually answer back with "ok we can certainly provide cremation for you and that is considered a final disposition, will you being having a funeral before cremation or a memorial service after?" Some families are taken back and are somewhat releived when they learn that you can actually have a viewing, visitation and even a funeral before the cremation is done.
Funerals carry meaning to those that are left here to mourn and have been practised throughout history. We, in our human nature need that closure that comes from a meaningful funeral or memorial to help us say goodbye. When we have a memorial or funeral service for someone, it seems to place value on that persons life. You hear of some people who say they don't want anyone looking at them when they are dead, or that if people want to see me, come see me now while I'm living. While those are valid reasons in a person's mind, they may not realize that the closest family members may need that final passby to help them get through their grieving process more smoothly.
When having a funeral before cremation the funeral home may offer a rental casket for the service or you can choose from many different cremation caskets that will be cremated with your loved one. The rental casket is usually a solid wood casket that has interchangable interiors that also servce as the cremation container required.
When you choose a public viewing or a funeral, your loved one will have to be embalmed and prepared as for a burial. You're funeral director will get permission for embalming.
You can choose to not have a funeral, but you would like for family and friends to come by and pay their respects. Your funeral director will prepare the body and set up a time for visitation or viewing of the body prior to cremation. You can still have a memorial service after the cremationi if you wish.
Some funeral homes offer an identification viewing prior to cremation and this usually takes place in the funeral home within a few hours after death since the deceased is not embalmed. These are limited usually to immediate family members and are only for a short period of time. The deceased is then held in refrigeration until the cremation permits are completed.
A full funeral service before cremation may be the best way to fulfil your loved ones wishes of cremation and help the family and friends with the grieving process. Know your options and make your choice as informed as you can possibly be. Make sure and poll your loved ones if you are prearranging your cremation, ask them what they would prefer.
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