Author: TLC Cremation

Preplanning your final arrangements is a wonderful, loving act you can do for your family. Although this may not be an easy or comfortable thing for many to do, it will help your loved ones immensely at the time of your passing. If you are looking into direct cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX. as part of your final plans, there are some important questions you should ask.

How long have you been in business?

Providers that have been in business longer tend to have more experience overall. These providers have most likely dealt with more situations and circumstances and can help you with whatever you need. That’s not to say a provider that is newer can’t also do a wonderful job at taking care of you. Therefore, while it’s important to know how long the provider has been in business, don’t let it be the only factor in your decision.

Another reason you want to know how long they have been in business is because, while any provider could possibly go out of business at any time, if the provider has been around for many years in the past, they will most likely continue to be around in the future when you will need their services.

Do you have any reviews I can read?

Even more importantly than how long a provider has been in business; are the reviews they have received from past clients. These reviews can give you great insight on how they deal with the families, handle the deceased, and how their service is in general.

You can mostly find reviews on provider’s websites and/or social media channels. If you cannot find any, ask the provider directly. They should not hesitate or avoid in providing them. If they try and doge the request or direct your attention to something else, this may be a pretty clear sign to avoid this provider.

What is (and is not) included in the package?

Many providers offer packages that include various services and items. When you settle on a package, make sure you completely understand everything that package includes. Just as important, make sue you have a clear understanding of what is not included. If something that is important to you or your family is not included, ask if you can add that on. You want to make sure your last wishes are being taken care of as well as your family’s needs at that time.

Can I prepay?

While preplanning is great and can make a big difference in helping your family ay the time of your passing, if you can prepay for the arrangements, that’s even better. First, it can really take the burden off of your family knowing the financial aspect is taken care of. Secondly, some providers that allow you to prepay will also lock in today’s prices. This means that while inflation may increase the cost of everything in the future, you will be paying today’s price which is typically lower.

If you are ready to plan your cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX., and still have questions, we are happy to help provide more information and address any concerns you may have.

While traditional burials will always be a popular option, more and more people each year are opting for direct cremation for themselves or a loved one. Even though this option is rising in popularity, many people still are still unfamiliar with it and may have questions. If you are considering direct cremation services in Irving, TX. here are some of the most commonly asked questions to help you learn more about this option.

1. Can I have a service if I choose direct cremation?

With direct cremation being such a simple and quick process, there is typically not time before the cremation to hold services. However, afterwards there is plenty of time and plenty of ways to hold a service of your choice. Many families choose to hold an ash scattering ceremony, memorial service, or a celebration of life event.

One advantage of holding a ceremony like this after a direct cremation is that there is plenty of time to plan and arrange everything without being rushed. This gives the family more options for dates of holding an event as well as friends and family who live far away ample time to travel and attend the event.

2. What is the body cremated in?

With a cremation, the body will be placed in a cremation container. These are typically boxes comprised of a very sturdy cardboard and large enough for most average sized bodies. This container serves as a way to provide dignity to the deceased as well as help contain the body during the cremation process.

3. Do I need to purchase an urn?

While most cremation centers will return the cremated remains to the family in a temporary urn, you may want to purchase a more permanent option. While the temporary urn may be fine if you are going to scatter the ashes, it may not be suitable for long term use. If you plan on keeping the remains, it is suggested you purchase a more durable urn option. Urns come in a variety of styles and materials and can be purchased from crematories directly or online.

4. Can personal items be included in the cremation?

Some families my want personal items to be cremated alongside their loved one. While personal items such as jewelry and watches will be taken off and returned to the family, other items may be permitted to be included in the cremation. Some of these items could include special photographs, letters, stuffed animals or flowers. However, depending on the crematory and the safety of the item you wish to include, some items may not be allowed. To find out what items are okay, talk with the crematory directly.

While these aren’t the only questions you may have about direct cremations, hopefully these help give you a little more insight about this process. When you are talking to providers of cremation services in Irving, TX., feel free to ask whatever questions you still have so that you can truly understand the process and ensure you are making the right decision.

If you are preplanning arrangements for yourself, or you have an immediate need for cremation services in Dallas, TX., you will find one of your options is a process called “direct cremation”. If you are not familiar with this choice, you may wonder how it differs from some of the other options and packages you might find. Keep reading as we explain what the direct cremation process is as well as some of the benefits it can proved to families.

What is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation is a process that is typically the most simple, minimal, and quickest of all the options. In this process, the body is taken to the crematory and the death certificate and other paperwork is completed. Once the paperwork is taken care of, the body will be placed in a cremation container and cremation will take place. The remains will then be returned to the family in either a temporary urn or one they have chosen.

With a direct cremation, there are no viewings or other funeral services beforehand. Some families may choose to hold a memorial service after or invite family and close friends to an ash scattering event.

Why Choose Direct Cremation?

Families choose direct cremation for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons they may decide on this option include:

• Simplicity of the process– When a loved one passes away, families are left with having to take care of a lot of things. Not only planning arrangements but things like dealing with their loved one’s accounts, securing their house, caring for any pets they might have had and more can add a lot of stress to this already very difficult time. With a direct cremation being simple and straightforward, choosing this option can help alleviate some of this stress.
• The most economical– Since direct cremation is the simplest option, it is also the most economical. With no viewings or services before the cremation, costs that are associated with those services are void. Also, services that are used for preparing the body, such as embalming, are also not added in. This can save a lot of money overall and really help those families who may be on a smaller budget. It can also allow more money to be spent on other aspects such as a nicer urn or toward an ash scattering or other ceremony afterwards.
• The quickness of the process – Many people feel they can begin the mourning process once the cremation is complete. This process and the act of receiving their loved one’s remains helps them accept the reality of everything and allows them start to grieve. Because of this, many families wish this process to be as quick as possible.

While these are the most common reasons people choose direct cremations, some additional reasons can include environmental concerns, religious beliefs, or wanting to keep their loved one close to them. If you are still unsure if direct cremation is right for you and your family, reach out to providers of cremation services in Dallas, TX., as they are happy to talk with you further and help answer any questions or concerns you may have.