Holding a Funeral When Your Loved One Chooses Cremation

When many people think about cremation services in Dallas, TX., they may be under the impression that it is not possible to hold a funeral service prior to the cremation. While this is true with the service known as “direct” or “simple” cremation, the truth is funerals as well as viewings are able still available to those who wish to be cremated. Let’s look at how funerals and other services work when your loved one chooses cremation.

Holding a Viewing

A viewing is an event that typically take the place the day before the funeral. It is a less formal affair than the funeral and guests tend to come and go rather than having to arrive at a certain time.

The body of the deceased is present and displayed in a casket so that those who wish may approach and say their final goodbyes. There are often refreshments offered such as cookies and punch or other light snacks.

Sine the body will be present, it will need to be prepared for the event. This can include services such as embalming, makeup and hair. This is the same whether the body will then have a ground burial or be cremated.

The casket the body is in for the viewing can be purchased, or if the family would rather, can be rented. When the family chooses rental, there is a less expensive container placed inside the casket which the body rests in. After the service, the body and the container will be taken out and the casket is relined for future use. The guests only see the main outer casket so this is a wonderful option for those who do not wish to purchase and actual casket.

Funeral Service

Holding a funeral service is the same for your loved one show chooses creation as it is for those who choose a ground burial. The body can be present in the same way it is for the viewing. The only difference with the funeral service is that afterwards, the body will be taken to the crematorium and not to the cemetery.

Funeral Reception

Many families choose to hold a funeral reception after the funeral. This can also still be done with cremation since this is after the body has been disposed. Funeral receptions are a wonderful way to come together after a difficult day, visit and support one another, and honor and pay tribute to the life lost. These receptions can be private events for family and/or close friends only or open to the public for anyone to attend.

Final Thoughts

While direct cremation does not allow time before the cremation to hold services such as funerals and viewings, these services are still available with other cremation packages. Because of this, families have great flexibility when it comes to the types of services they wish to hold for their loved one.

If you would like more information about cremation services in Dallas, TX., and the advantages it may offer your family, give us a call anytime and we are always here to help.