It is important to know that you still have a lot of options when it comes to planning cremation services. Too many people simply make the assumption that they are not able to plan much in the way of services or memorials when the option of cremation is selected. The thing is, though, there really is a lot that you can still do. What you want to do first is to review the following:

You Can Still Have A Viewing For Friends And Family

You want to think about if the recently departed would have wanted a viewing so all of their loved ones could come to say their final goodbyes. If this is something you believe they would have wanted, then you can make go ahead and make such arrangements. You can still plan a viewing even if cremation is also planned. You won't have to worry about purchasing a casket since you are not burying your loved one. The funeral home should have casket rentals that you can pick from.

The Cremation Usually Doesn't Happen Immediately

You want to be aware that the cremation process is not something that happens immediately once the funeral home receives the body. They actually need to wait a few days, or even longer, before they are able to go through with the cremation process. This is because they have to receive permission from the state to proceed with the cremation. This is to ensure that no evidence is destroyed if there is a pending criminal investigation. It's actually just standard procedure and the funeral home will be able to give you a much better understanding of how long it might take to get everything finished.

You Will Need To Pick Up The Remains

The cremated remains will not be mailed to you. Generally, this is something that you need to pick up in person. However, if you are not able to pick up the remains on your own, you should be able to designate someone else to pick them up for you. Therefore, you will not have to worry about needing to return to your home out of state, if you happen to live far away from your deceased loved one.

Make sure that you are contacting the funeral home director as soon as possible in order to schedule a date and time to meet in person. This way, you can gather more information and make the needed arrangements. For more information on cremation, contact a professional near you.