What Should I Know Before Choosing Cremation in Van Buren, NY

Cremation is a popular choice for those who have passed away. It is less expensive than traditional burial, and many families find it to be more convenient. If you are considering cremation for a loved one, there are some things you should know. Here are four important things to consider before choosing cremation services in Van Buren, NY.
1. Types of Cremation
Cremation is a process in which the physical remains of a person are burned to ashes and their bones are crushed into powder. There are three types of cremation
- Direct Cremation, in which the body is directly placed in the chamber for cremation
- Cremation with a Viewing, in which the body is placed in an above-ground funeral home viewing room for family to view prior to cremation
- Cremation with a Service, in which the remains are not present at the ceremony. You or your loved one may choose to have an urn present, but the family may also choose to have the cremated remains buried or scattered elsewhere.
2. Amount of Ash Generated
The amount of ash generated by a body being cremated varies based on factors such as weight, age, and gender. A person who weighs 200 pounds may generate three pounds of ashes at most, but a person who weighs 80 pounds may generate only one pound of ashes.
This can be a factor in deciding which type of cremation your loved one’s family chooses. Direct cremations may take a few hours, but a cremation with a service can vary from being completed in about three hours to up to seven days later when the embalming fluid has been removed from the body.
3. Is A Memorial Service Required?
A memorial service is not required following cremation. Your family may choose to have a viewing beforehand, but the ceremony itself does not need to include the physical remains of your loved one.
If you do hold a funeral for your loved one after the cremation, it will likely be less formal than traditional services. This isn’t always a negative though. There are benefits to having a more relaxed service, such as allowing you or your loved one to express emotions in an open way.
4. Burial or Scattering Of Ashes
If you choose to have a memorial service following cremation, the remains of your loved one may be buried in the ground or sprinkled elsewhere. Many families choose to bury them underneath a tree.
If the service is not formal, you may consider using a bag of ashes to scatter instead of an urn. There are many creative ways your family can honor your loved one.
Some other places to bury or scatter ashes are :
- In the garden
- In the ocean
- In a favorite park or wooded area
- In a favorite spot from your childhood
Some cremation providers also offer options allowing you to keep an urn at home with you if you do not have room for a full burial plot. Others will allow you to scatter the remains in any location so long as no one is around to disturb them.
5. Cremation vs Burial
The traditional burial is still by far the most popular choice among funeral directors; nearly 70% of all deaths in the United States are still buried. However, in recent years cremation rates have been growing. Some families prefer cremation for religious reasons; others choose it due to its convenience and affordability.
Need to Know More about Cremation Services in Van Buren, NY?
You may have a lot of questions about cremation services before you make the decision. If this is your first time considering cremation, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with all the options and information out there.
But, if you know what you want from a funeral provider – whether that means low-cost cremations or traditional funerals – we can help. Let us know how we can be of service by filling in our contact form on our website today!
You can learn more about cremation services in Van Buren, NY. Talk to us at Bagozzi Twins Funeral Home, Inc.. to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our office in New York or call our location.
