2 Questions You May Have About Cremation While Making Your Final Plans

If you have decided to take some of the burden off of your loved ones when you pass away, you may have decided to go ahead and make plans for what you want for the funeral. While making these plans, you may be faced with making the decision about whether to be buried in a plot or cremated.

While you probably know most of what burial entails, you may not know as much about what happens when you are cremated. To help you make a more informed decision, below are answers to a couple of questions you may have about cremation while making your final plans.

1. Are You Able to Have a Traditional Viewing and Memorial Service If You Decide to Be Cremated?

One question you may have about being cremated instead of buried has to do with the viewing and memorial service. While you can have the urn with your ashes in place during the service, you may be more interested in knowing if your loved ones can participate in a traditional viewing and memorial so that they can say their goodbyes.

If you prefer to have a traditional service, you can discuss plans with the funeral director to rent a casket for the viewing and memorial. Then, after the service has been concluded, the cremation can take place.

2. Can You Be Cremated If You Have Decided to Donate Your Organs When You Pass Away?

Another question you may have is whether you can still be an organ donor if you decide to be cremated. Just as with a burial, the organs are taken from your body before they are sent to the funeral home, so it will not interfere with either a traditional service or the cremation.

However, if you decide to donate your entire body for scientific research purposes, there may be a delay in the cremation once the research is completed. In this case, the research facility may cover the cost of the cremation. The funeral director can go into more detail with you and help to coordinate the services with the donation process.

If you are in the midst of making your final plans and are considering cremation as opposed to burial, know that you can still have a traditional viewing and memorial service by renting a casket and coordinating with the funeral director. Also, if you would like to donate your organs, you can still be cremated afterward. If you would like to learn more, contact a funeral home that offers cremation services to speak with a representative.