Cremation is an increasingly common choice for many families regarding end-of-life services. You can choose from several cremation services with their own upsides and downsides. When selecting the right cremation service for your family, it's crucial to understand what each of them provides. 

1. Traditional Cremation

A traditional cremation involves the body's cremation followed by the scattering of the ashes. The body is reduced to ashes by using heat, fire, and evaporation. The body is placed inside a casket or container made of wood, metal, or plastic. Then, it is placed inside the crematory. The final stage of cremation involves pulverizing the bone fragments into smaller pieces using a "crematory reduction machine." These pieces are then placed in a temporary container until they are ready to be returned to the family or scattered in a designated area.

This cremation is often accompanied by a funeral or memorial service to honor the deceased's life. It allows family and friends to have a sense of closure.

2. Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is a more straightforward option where the body is cremated without ceremony or service. This type of cremation is often chosen to save money and when it doesn't seem necessary to have a service. It's also ideal for those who do not want a funeral service as written in their will.

3. Eco-Friendly Cremation

For environmentally-conscious people, there are eco-friendly cremation options such as aquamation. The body is subjected to high-velocity jets that break it into bone fragments and ash in around a few hours, often using potassium hydroxide. This process uses water instead of fire to cremate the body, which is a more sustainable option. It also eliminates the release of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

Aquamation can be more expensive than traditional cremation, especially if the process is done in a facility with specialized equipment. While this cremation process is more eco-friendly, it can still harm the environment if the remains are not appropriately treated before being released. But as long as you consider all of the available methods, you'll be able to find the right service for your family.

How to Choose the Right Cremation Service

Ask what is specifically included in the cremation package. For example, ask about how transportation will be arranged and whether they will consist of a memorial video. Ask about their policy on scattering ashes. Then, you'll be more informed and better decide which option to choose.

Contact a local cremation service to learn more.