What is a Cremation with Services?

This article explains cremation with services. Families choosing cremation have two options: direct cremation or cremation with services.

Cremation with services often includes elements similar to what you would find in a traditional funeral; however, instead of a casketed body serving as the focal point of ceremonies, the cremated remains are the centerpiece of a memorial service.

With cremation the body is exposed to high heat and reduced to the consistency of sand. In the case of cremation with services, the cremation itself could occur after a traditional funeral has been held or the body could be cremated first and the cremains used as the focal point during a memorial service.

A memorial service is any type of service that commemorates the life of the deceased while an urn containing the cremains (i.e. ashes) is in the room. A funeral service is any type of service that commemorates the life of the deceased while the casketed body is in the room.

Depending on the timing of cremation, the body may need to be embalmed. If the body is cremated before any type of formal ceremony is held, embalming is usually not necessary. If cremation takes place after the body is viewed, embalming is usually required.

To summarize: cremation with services

When you choose cremation with services the body is removed from the place of death to the funeral home or crematory. The body is then prepared for viewing and visitation, followed by a funeral ceremony and then cremated.

Alternatively, the body could be cremated immediately upon arrival at the funeral home and the cremains used as the centerpiece in a memorial service.

Click here to learn more about cremation.