What Services Can I Have With a Cremation?

As providers of cremation services in Dallas, TX. one of the most commonly asked question we get is if other services such as funerals can accompany a cremation. The answer is yes. Not only can families choose to have a funeral with a cremation, but they can also have a visitation, wake, celebration of life, and more. Today we are going to look at these services, what they are, and how they relate to cremations.

Funeral Services

As mentioned earlier just about everyone is somewhat familiar with a funeral service. This is a somber service that is typically religious in tone. It is often led by a religious leader or other leader in the church and is held right before the committal ceremony.

When having a cremation, the body of the deceased will be embalmed as it would with a burial. It will then be on display during the funeral in a casket that the family can either purchase or rent. After the service, instead of the body being taken to the cemetery, it will be taken to the crematory.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of life service is much more upbeat, happy, and celebratory than a funeral. It tends to focus on remembering the loved one and celebrating their memory and their life. These services can often feel more like a party than a service for a passing. They can be held before the or after the cremation and, while can be held in places like funeral homes, are often held in locations such a parks, restaurants and other event venues.

This event can take place before the cremation and the body can be present as with a funeral service or this event can take place after the cremation. Many families choose to hold the service after the cremation so they have more time to plan the event and give those who live out of town more time and flexibility to be able to attend.

Scattering Ceremony

Also called a casting ceremony, this event is held after the cremation. This is because during or at the end of the ceremony, the loved one’s ashes will be scattered or “cast” into the wind. Many people who choose cremation do so because they want their asked released back into nature. This ceremony is to perform that action and can be held much like a funeral with readings and eulogies or more free flow like a celebration of life event.

Committal Service

This service takes place at the gravesite. If your loved one has been cremated and is going to have their urn placed in a mausoleum or columbarium niche, the ceremony would take place at those locations. This service is typically much shorter than a funeral or other type of service. It normally just includes a short welcome, prayers or readings, and a closing.

Memorial Service

This service is probably the most common when people think of services associated with cremation. This service takes place after the cremation and can have the urn present or not. Many families choose this service because, since it takes place after the cremation, there is no rush and families can take extra time in planning the perfect event for their loved one.

Visitations, Viewings and Wakes

Some services always take place before the body has been cremated. These include visitations, viewings, and wakes. Although they differ slightly, these services allow for the body of the deceased to be present and for guests to pay their respects and say their last goodbyes.

With cremations these services are held the same way they would be with a traditional ground burial in that the body of the deceased will typically be embalmed so that it can be present in a casket during the service.

You can see that even with cremation services in Dallas, TX. families can choose from a wide variety of services that meet their personal and religious needs.