Many families are often surprised to learn that you can hold a funeral service with a cremation. Click here to learn how these services work with one another.

Even though cremation services in Saint Charles, MO. are increasing in popularity each year, many people still are unaware that, with cremation, it is possible to hold a funeral service. While this is not only possible, it works very similar to the way it would if your loved one had chosen an in-ground burial. With that being said, there are a few differences to note. Let’s look a little more about cremations and how they work with funeral services. 

What is Cremation? 

First, let’s talk about what cremation is. For those who are unfamiliar, cremation is a form of body disposition that uses heat and reduces the body to its bone and mineral fragments. These fragments are what most people know as the ashes. 

While once more uncommon, this form of body disposition is quickly rising in popularity over ground burials year after year. It is becoming much more widely accepted with even more religions allowing it. 

Funeral Service with Cremation 

Families are happy and often surprised to learn that yes, in fact you can have a funeral service with a cremation. You can even hold additional services such as a viewing or visitation. This is because that, even though the body will be cremated, it is treated the same way before the funeral services. This means that the body will be embalmed as well as have services performed such as hair and makeup so that it is able to be presented at the funeral. 

How Funerals are Different with Cremations 

While most everything for the service is similar whether the body will be cremated or buried, there are some differences. For one, after the funeral service, the body will be taken to the crematory to be cremated rather that to a cemetery to be buried. The ashes will then be returned to the family to do with what they wish. 

Another difference is with ground burials, families will need to purchase their loved one a casket. With cremations and funerals, families typically have an option to rent a casket instead. This rented casket will have a container inside that the body will be placed. Once the services are over, the casket will be taken, cleaned, and relined for future use. Because families do not have to purchase a casket, it can save on the overall funeral budget. 

Should You Have a Funeral? 

Many individuals and families may choose cremation for the simplicity of it. Because of this they may feel that holding a funeral service is not needed and look at it as just an added expense. However, funerals can be very important events to those who are left behind. They help people and the community come together and support one another in this very difficult time. They also allow those who attend to begin the healing process and come to terms with the death. 

If you would like to know more about cremation services in Saint Charles, MO. and how they work with funeral services, give us a call or come by and talk one-on-one with a funeral director to have all your questions answered.