In recent years, people have started to become more and more creative with making plans for their loved ones’ final arrangements. Traditional funerals and burials are still common, but many people are opting for cremation services near College Park, MD. There are several main differences between a traditional funeral and a memorial service, and both leave some room to create a more personalized service.

A traditional funeral typically begins with either visitation or viewing. A viewing is when the casket is open so that attendees can say their final goodbyes to the departed. A visitation is similar, but with a closed casket. Both options give a chance for people attending to give their brief condolences to the family while saying their goodbyes. The visitation or viewing may take place on the same day as the funeral, or it may be held the day before. Having it the day before can be beneficial because it allows for more flexibility with scheduling conflicts that attendees may have, and it doesn’t make for such an exhausting, long day. After the visitation and viewing, the funeral service takes place. This typically takes place either in a church or a funeral home, with the body present in the casket. Someone is chosen to officiate the services, and a eulogy is delivered as well. Depending on whether the deceased wishes to be buried or cremated, their body will then be transported either to the cemetery or the crematory. All of this must take place within a few days after the person passes away.

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A memorial service often takes place without the presence of the body of the departed. Some people will have their loved one’s ashes present at the memorial service. Because of this, it does not have to be scheduled within a certain time frame. Many people are grateful not to be constrained by this, and it relieves some of the pressure of planning that the immediate family feels during an already difficult time. A memorial service can be similar to a traditional funeral in many ways, taking place at a church or funeral home, with an officiant, etc. However, it does lend itself to some creativity and personalization, if the family wishes. It also makes it easier to plan for distant relatives to travel, or to plan for it to take place in the warmer months. Many people are even choosing to hold a “Celebration of Life”, which generally has a more upbeat feeling and a less formal atmosphere.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, and each person is unique. It’s up to their family to decide which type of service would be most fitting to honor their memory. Your provider of cremation services near College Park, MD, can be of help when it comes to planning and memorialization. They can give suggestions for funeral homes and other types of venues for your loved one’s final arrangements. This way, you can be sure that your loved one’s services will honor them in the best way possible.

Cremation services have been gaining in popularity in recent years, and it’s not difficult to see why. With the wide range of options you have for cremation services near Adelphi, MD, there is much more freedom when it comes to choosing and planning arrangements for your loved one. Ranging from basic, direct cremation to a full viewing and funeral prior to cremation, you’ll find something that works for your family no matter the circumstances.

The most basic and inexpensive option is direct cremation. This option does not include any kind of memorial or funeral service. You will be provided with paperwork and documents that must be filled out and notarized, and your loved one’s body will be transported to the crematory for disposition. Afterward, you will receive their remains in the form of bone ash, contained within a temporary urn. You’ll have the option of purchasing a permanent vessel or keepsake items, as well. If your loved one did not want any kind of service to be held in their honor, or you’re planning on a scattering ceremony only, this might be a good choice for your family.

Some people wish to have a full viewing or visitation followed by a traditional funeral, prior to cremation. This will be more cost-intensive because you’ll need to pay the funeral home fees, rent a casket, and possibly pay for embalming services as well. Rather than transporting your loved one to the cemetery after the funeral, they will be taken to the crematory to be cremated. This is a good choice for people who want a traditional funeral, but do not wish to be buried in a cemetery.

If you don’t want a full traditional funeral to be held beforehand, but you would still like a chance for immediate family to say a final goodbye before the cremation, this is possible. Most places will offer an hour or two of time prior to cremation for the family to be with their loved one and say their goodbyes. Many people choose this route if they are planning on holding a memorial service after the cremation. That way, those closest to the departed still get their chance to have closure, but they don’t have the burden of quickly making funeral arrangements. Instead, they have the freedom to plan the memorial service at a time that works best for them. For some families, this means waiting for warmer weather or planning for a time when far-away family members can make travel plans more easily.

The different options for cremation services near Adelphi, MD, make it possible to have arrangements that suit your family’s particular needs. Depending on your budget and your loved one’s wishes, you can choose anything from a traditional viewing and funeral prior to cremation, to the most basic, direct cremation services. There is room for flexibility and creativity so that you can make arrangements that are personal to the memory of the person you lost. Ask your cremation service provider for more details on their pricing and service options.