There are three general types of cremation services available in Robbinsville, NJ, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. Some people may prefer an open-casket service, but others might want to be cremated without a funeral at all. No matter what type of service you’d like, it’s important to know your options before deciding what’s best for your family and loved ones.

Traditional Cremation

A traditional cremation, also known as cremation with a funeral service, requires you to use a casket and, in many cases, embalming. In this type of service, the body is present during visitation and funeral service at the funeral home. It will then be taken to the crematory for the cremation process afterward.

The body is present at all events, including:

• Wake/viewing (a ceremony where friends and family view the deceased)
• Funeral service (the gathering of people who come together to honor their loved one)

It is necessary to ask your funeral or crematory director about their embalming policy before choosing it. Some firms, like ours, permit open-casket viewing of unembalmed remains, although certain conditions and alternative treatment measures may apply.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is the least expensive option, but that doesn’t make it a less fitting choice for your loved one. A direct cremation involves having the body cremated shortly after passing without a funeral ceremony. Though it’s also called no-service cremation, the family can hold a memorial service later or plan a separate ceremony around the ash disposal!

The other benefit of this type of cremation is that there is no embalming process involved. By skipping that step, you’ll cut costs significantly. You won’t be able to see or touch your loved one before their cremation, though, making it unfit for open-casket viewing rites. With direct cremations, there are no drawn-out goodbyes, just swift action as soon as possible after death has occurred.

Memorial Service

A memorial service can be held at a funeral home, place of worship, or another venue. You may choose to have one at a later date, up to a few weeks or even months after the cremation is complete. The memorial service can be very personal, with elements (such as humor and quirks) that reflect the personality of your loved one.

It can be a somber affair or follow a celebration of life theme. Families who opt for direct or immediate cremation may choose to stage a viewing with the urn as with a body during funeral service. Otherwise, they can display the cremated remains at the memorial along with pictures and select personal items of the deceased.

The point is that you have and should be aware of your general options when it comes to funerary decisions. Irrespective of service type, once your loved one’s ashes are returned to you (usually several days later), you have complete freedom over what happens next.

You can spread them in a place that was dear to your departed friend or family member or keep them away until they’re ready for interment. Storing them permanently at home with other keepsakes from their life is another viable option. Or you can use the remains as part of another creative project like jewelry or art that you can carry with you.

No matter what type you choose or desire, our funeral home provides tailored cremation services in the Robbinsville, NJ, area. Consider giving us a call now or whenever a need comes up!