Category: Cremation

If you are preplanning your direct cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX., that is fantastic. While most people agree that preplanning is important, very few actually follow through and make the arrangements. By taking the initiative and completing this process, you are already ahead of the pack. However, without the proper guidance, you might be susceptible to making some big mistakes. We are going to address some of the most common mistakes so you can be sure to avoid them.

1. Not Letting Others Know

It’s great to preplan and make all of your final arrangements but failing to let others know these plans will make them pretty much void. You may think that by having everything written down and kept with your other important papers may be enough, but most times arrangements will be made before any of your papers are sorted through.

If nobody is aware that you made any plans, they will have to make arrangements based on their own judgement and preferences and this may not coincide with what you wanted. To ensure that your final wishes are carried out, let your loved ones know what your wished are, what services you have already preplanned, and what providers they have been preplanned with.

2. Not Setting a Budget

While cremation in general is less expensive than burials, and direct cremation is the least expensive option of all, you shouldn’t have to have an extremely large budget. Because of this, you may feel that there is no need to set one. However, it is always a good idea to have a set budget before you shop for this or any other service.

Even though you may think you have one price in mind and will be able to stick with it, there may be more options you end up selecting and before you know it, you have spent way more money than you intended to. Make sure you set a reasonable budget and stick with it.

3. Not Thinking About Others

True, these direct cremation services are for you, but they are also for the ones who will be left to mourn your passing. It may not be important to you to have any type of service after your cremation, but what about your loved ones? They may really appreciate having a small service and being able to mourn together.

When deicing your last wishes, of course, think about yourself and what you would like to have happen, but also keep in mind those who love you and what they might need.

4. Not Considering All Your Options

You may think that after your direct cremation, you would like your ashes to be released at a special place that holds meaning to you such as a national park you always camped in. However, with so many options these days, what else might you include? Maybe you would like your ashes to be buried in a biodegradable urn and planted with a tree or some flowers. Perhaps you would like to have a butterfly or dove release. Take some time and explore all of your options before settling on your final choice.

When you are ready to preplan your cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX., we are here to help make this process easy and guide you from making these mistakes.

If you are talking with providers of cremation services in Irving, TX. about direct cremation, you may be wanting to know if you can have a viewing or visitation with this type of cremation. While there is not an opportunity to have a service before the direct cremation, there are several services and events you can hold after. Some of these include holding a memorial service, celebration of life event, or an ash scattering ceremony.

If you are not sure about what type of event you would like to hold for your loved one after their direct cremation, let’s look at each on a little closer to help you decide.

Memorial Service

A memorial service is much like a more traditional funeral service in that they are solemn, structured events. They can be religious and include readings of scriptures or prayers, or they can be more secular in nature. These events also mimic funeral services in that they tend to be quiet, reserved, somber events.

These services can be held at a church or other event space or even someone’s home. They are led by a master of ceremonies and allow time for eulogies, songs, and other traditional service elements.

Celebration of Life Event

If you would like to host an event that is less structured and livelier, then you would want to opt for a celebration of life event. These events are more like a party and less like a funeral service. There is typically no structure or predetermined outline of events. Instead, this is a time for family and friends to gather with one another and honor the life of the deceased rather than mourn their passing.

These events are focused more on being happy and joyful and remembering the deceased and all the good times. Friends and family can share stories and found memories of the loved one and pay tribute to their life on earth.

Ash Scattering Ceremony

An ash scattering ceremony, also called casting ceremonies, take place where the remains will be scattered and are open to be held in anyway the family would like. These ceremonies can be religious or secular in nature and can be quieter and more reserved, or lively and loud. There is truly no “right way” to hold this service.

The way the ashes are scattered can also be done in any manner the family wishes. For example, all the remains could be dispersed by one person such as the deceased’s spouse or someone who was closest to them. Another example that some families may choose is to have a symbolic toast and divide the ashes up into glasses. Each guest gets a glass and after the toast is said, everyone releases the ashes at one time.

Final Thoughts

You can see that while there is no time to hold services before a direct cremation, families have ample opportunities to hold a variety of services after. One advantage of this is that there is no rush to plan the event. Since the body has been taken care of, families have time to slow down, decompress and really plan a perfect event.

If you were worried that you would not be able to hold an event with cremation services in Irving, TX., you can see that there is a myriad of options available.

Each year more people are opting to “go green” and are paying more attention to environmental issues. This may be one of the reasons direct cremations are on the rise. Traditionally, burials have been the more common way to lay loved ones to rest, but each year cremations are gaining popularity. If you or your family member wants to make less of an impact on the earth, or keep your body in a more natural state, keep reading to see how direct cremation services in Dallas, TX. can be more natural and eco-friendly.

Cremation Leaves More Green Space

With traditional burials, caskets and burial vaults are used in each burial plot. These burial plots take up space and cemeteries are running out of room and having to use more green space for new plots.

Cremation eliminates the need for developing more green space into cemeteries. Scattering the ashes or keeping them in an urn dramatically cuts down on the environmental impact.

Cremation Doesn’t Require a Casket

The production of caskets and headstones can take a toll on the earth’s natural materials like wood and stone. With cremation, these items are not needed which results in a reduction of their overall use.

Cremation Allows You to Return to Nature

If you choose to have your ashes scattered, it can be a lovely way to return to nature. Whether you decide to have them scattered in the ocean or national park, returning to earth this way is a draw to many people. Also, with most public lands allowing this event with the proper permit, your choices of location are abundant.

Your Remains Stay Natural

With direct cremation, there is no preparing of the body for a viewing or funeral service. This means your body is not pumped full of embalming fluid and other processes to keep you preserved. Your body can remain in a natural state and return to nature in that state.

You Have Options for Biodegradable Urns

If you want to truly be eco-friendly, there are options for biodegradable urns. These urns are designed to break down naturally without leaving a carbon footprint. They come in several varieties of styles and can be found to break down in a few minutes to a few years and everything in between.

Many people choose to use these urns in addition when planting a tree or flowers. This makes a lovely tribute and a way to honor the life of the deceased.

Final Thoughts

If making less of an impact on the environment or wanting to return to nature in a natural state is important to you, direct cremation is a perfect choice. With no chemicals being pumped in your body to preserve it, no need for a casket or headstone, and ways to incorporate your ashes with nature and the earth, you can see why cremation is becoming a more popular choice.

Whether you are preplanning your own arrangements or need immediate cremation services in Dallas, TX., for a loved one, we are here to help with your direct cremation needs.

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.