Cremation Information

Cremation Information

A man in a military uniform is holding an American flag in his hands.

What is Cremation?

When planning final arrangements for a loved one, one of the major decisions to make is whether to choose burial or cremation. This choice is often influenced by many factors, such as religious or spiritual beliefs, financial considerations, or even environmental concerns.



Before making that decision, it’s important to understand what each option involves. The overview below provides some helpful basics, but if you find that you still have questions, we encourage you to reach out. One of our knowledgeable cremation specialists will be glad to provide guidance and answer any concerns you may have.

Cremation Explained

The Cremation Association of North America describes cremation as, "The mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments".


On our page The Cremation Process, you’ll find a detailed explanation of the most widely used method of cremation, which relies on intense heat.


As mentioned earlier, families choose cremation over traditional burial for a variety of reasons. For some, the decision may even be influenced by a long-standing cultural fear of burial—one that can be traced back to Victorian times and the anxiety of being buried alive.

What is Required to Arrange for Cremation?

Once the decision for cremation has been made, the next step is obtaining legal authorization. This responsibility falls to the next-of-kin or the person who has been legally designated to make final arrangements. After the necessary documents are signed and service charges are settled, the deceased can be transferred from the place of death to the crematory, where the cremation will take place.

Beyond these essentials, there are meaningful details you may want to consider:

  • Clothing and personal items: Would your loved one have appreciated being dressed in something special, such as a military uniform or a favorite outfit? Your funeral director can guide you regarding clothing, jewelry, or other personal belongings that may or may not be suitable for cremation.
  • Keepsakes and mementos: Some families choose to place personal items, like photographs, letters, or small tokens, in the cremation casket. Writing a note or card to include can be a touching and healing way to say goodbye.
  • Family participation: For some, being present during the cremation, or even participating in a small way, can be a powerful act of closure. If this is something you or your family would like, please let your funeral director know—we welcome the opportunity to make this possible.
  • Urns and memorial containers: After cremation, you will need to decide how to keep your loved one’s remains. Many families choose a cremation urn, which can be placed in the home, interred, or kept in a columbarium. We offer a wide selection of urns designed to honor and memorialize your loved one, and your funeral director will be glad to show you the available options.


Why Choose Cremation?

People choose cremation over traditional burial for many different reasons, and cost is only one of them. With today’s cultural, religious, and regional diversity, the increase in cremation reflects a wide range of influences.

One factor is the shift in religious perspectives. For example, the Catholic Church once strictly prohibited cremation, lifting the ban in 1963. While burial is still preferred in church teachings, cremation is no longer forbidden, allowing many Catholic families to consider it as a valid option.

Changing family structures also play a role. With fewer families remaining in one place for generations and traditional family burial plots becoming less common, cremation offers a practical and flexible alternative for those who live far from their hometowns.

Another reason families select cremation is the flexibility it provides. Because cremation can take place soon after death, loved ones can take more time to thoughtfully plan a memorial, celebration of life, or scattering ceremony, without the pressure of immediate arrangements.

Environmental concerns also influence the choice. Many view cremation as less demanding on land compared to casketed burial and embalming, which require cemetery space and may affect soil and groundwater. At the same time, some continue to weigh this against the emissions produced by the cremation process itself.