Death is never an easy topic to discuss, but it’s a natural part of the circle of life. When it eventually comes, it’s important to consider how to properly honour the life of the deceased. One option that has become increasingly popular is cremation, which involves burning the body until it becomes ash.

However, there are a variety of different cremation services available that offer various benefits and include different elements in the process. In this post, we’ll explore the different kinds of cremation services available and the benefits each one provides.

Traditional Cremation

A traditional cremation involves the process of cremating the deceased’s body and then placing the ashes in an urn. This is typically accompanied by a formal service where family and friends pay their respects.

Many funeral homes offer traditional cremation services, which usually include transportation of the body, handling necessary paperwork, cremation and delivery of the remains to the family. The benefit of traditional cremation is that it provides a sense of closure and a formal way to say goodbye to a loved one.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation skips the formal service and instead moves straight to the cremation process. The ashes are then returned to the family in an urn or other container. Direct cremation is generally more affordable than traditional cremation and can be a good option for families who want a simple yet dignified farewell.

However, it’s important to note that without a formal service, there may be less opportunity for family and friends to say their goodbyes, and it may be more challenging to process the event.

Cremation with a Viewing

This option provides a chance for family and friends to say goodbye before the cremation process. The body is embalmed, dressed up and put on display for loved ones to visit before the cremation takes place. This option is similar to a traditional funeral service but follows cremation instead of burial. Cremation with a viewing can be a way to get closure and say goodbye in a more formal and healing way.

Cremation with a Celebration of Life

Similar to a traditional service, a cremation with a celebration of life takes a more personalised approach to honouring the deceased. Instead of a formal funeral service, the family may choose an informal get-together at a location of their choosing, where guests can participate in activities such as displaying pictures, sharing memories and writing messages of condolence.

The benefit of this option is that it celebrates the life of the deceased in a more relaxed and comfortable setting and provides an opportunity to remember and cherish memories with family and friends, and the financial burden is also reduced.

Cremation with Eco-Friendly Options

Many cremation facilities are now taking eco-friendly or ‘green’ approaches to cremation. These methods are a way to reduce the amount of pollution and waste created by traditional cremation methods.

Losing a loved one can be one of the most painful and challenging experiences that we go through in life. However, by exploring the different kinds of cremation services, you can select the right option that best suits your needs and provides you with the necessary closure to cope with your loss.

Whether you want a traditional cremation, a more personal celebration, or an eco-friendly option, there is a service that can honour the life of your loved one properly. Remember to take the time to choose what feels right for you, and we hope that this guide has helped you choose the best cremation service for you and your family. Contact a local funeral home, such as Cremations Only, to learn your options.

As more people opt for cremation, the question of what to do with the ashes has become incredibly important. While many store the ashes in an urn in their home, there’s the issue of what to do with the ashes when those people die; their children and grandchildren may have no emotional connection to the person whose cremains have been sitting on a shelf.

Scattering ashes is possible, but not everyone knows how to do it legally. Plus, not everyone likes the idea of scattering their loved ones over large areas.

A newer option is to use a biodegradable urn, one that slowly disappears over time after being buried in soil. Many like to place these urns under trees because they like the image of their loved one becoming part of nature. But like any option, you’ll have to consider the pros and cons of the process.

Creating a Mostly Permanent Memorial

An advantage to the biodegradable urn that you bury next to a tree is that it creates a memorial that you can visit. Scattering ashes at sea, for example, makes any memorial spot you set up rather ephemeral. It’s there, but nothing from your loved one is there.

Burying a biodegradable urn by a tree creates an actual spot that you can go to where you know part of your loved one exists. It isn’t totally permanent because eventually, the tree at that spot will die and have to be removed, or you’ll sell your home years from now and have to leave the ashes behind. But for as long as you’re living there, and as long as the tree lives, you’ll have that spot.

Planting a New Tree for Soil Safety

There is one major issue with using a biodegradable urn: It means the cremains will sit in one spot, displacing nutritious soil that the tree’s roots want. As the exterior urn disappears over time, the remaining ball of ashes would form a concentrated lump of minerals in the soil, which can be bad for the tree.

That makes burying the cremains by an existing tree rather difficult. One alternative is to get a special biodegradable urn that contains a tree seed and soil, and plant that in an open area. The ashes would still be buried in one spot, but they’d be diluted in this new soil. When the urn degrades, what’s left is mineral-rich soil and a seedling, rather than this concentrated pile that can negatively impact soil nutrition.

Finding a Location in the First Place

For people who own a home with a yard and who are able to plant trees there, the biodegradable urn (with seedling or without) could be a good choice. It makes honoring your loved one relatively simple as long as you’re not planning to sell your home.

But for those who live in flats, those who live in areas where landscaping is heavily controlled, those planning to sell their home soon, and those who aren’t comfortable with cremains in their yards, it’s more complicated. In all those cases, you’ll need to find a location in which you can place the urn.

If you’re still having your loved one cremated but can’t decide on what type of urn to have or whether to scatter the ashes, you’ll want to speak with a cremation service that helps families plan the entire process from start to finish. If you’re in the Brisbane and Gold Coast regions, contact Cremations Only to discuss what you should do.

Cremation is a popular choice for final disposition in Australia. In fact, about 54% of the people who die in Australia choose cremation over a traditional burial. Cremation is a respectful and dignified method of disposing of your remains.

Cremation is also less expensive than traditional burials. That’s because there are no cemetery plots or coffins to purchase. If you are making your end-of-life plans, there are some things you need to consider if you’ve decided on cremation for your remains. If you are considering cremation, here are five important facts to know about cremation in Australia:

Know the Legal Requirements

In Australia, each state and territory regulates their cremation practices. There are specific legal requirements and procedures that funeral homes and individuals are required to follow before cremation can occur.

It’s important that you familiarise yourself with these laws to ensure that your remains are handled appropriately throughout the cremation process. If you’re not sure of the regulations, a cremation facility can help you understand the rules for your state or territory.

Research the Cremation Facilities

If you’re considering cremation, you’ll need to choose a cremation facility. It’s a good idea to do your research before you choose a cremation facility. Cremation facilities in Australia are licensed by government authorities.

These facilities are equipped with modern equipment and adhere to strict health and safety regulations. The crematorium staff are responsible for handling your remains with dignity and respect.

They also ensure that the cremation process is done properly. Before you choose a cremation facility, make sure that they follow all regulations and that they meet government requirements.

Plan for Your Cremated Remains

After the cremation process is complete, your cremated ashes are collected and stored in an urn. You can choose the urn in advance. This will ensure that it’s part of your final plans. Once your ashes are collected, they can be given to your family. From there, your family can decide whether to keep your ashes in the urn or scatter your ashes in a meaningful location.

Your family DO NOT need to get prior approval for scattering your ashes on public land. If you or your family wish not to scatter your ashes, your family may keep your ashes in an urn as a keepsake. You may also wish to have your ashes turned into keepsake jewellery for your loved ones. Or, you can have your ashes mingled with a sapling. That way, your remains will become a lasting part of a living tree.

Consider Religious and Cultural Aspects

Cremation is often associated with certain religious beliefs and cultural traditions. However, it is important to note that cremation is a personal choice and can be arranged regardless of your religious or cultural affiliations.

Many religions have their own customs and rituals regarding cremation. If your family has specific religious or cultural traditions regarding cremation, be sure to discuss your plans with them. That way, you can consider those traditions when making your final cremation plans.

Reduce Your Environmental Impact

If you’re making plans for your final wishes, now’s the time to consider your impact on the environment. If you want to reduce your impact on the environment, cremation is an excellent choice. In fact, cremation is a more sustainable option than a traditional burial.

That’s because cremation uses far less energy and resources. Many Australians choose cremation as a way to include their commitment to the environment in their final wishes.

Cremation provides a meaningful option to the traditional burial. If you’re ready to make your end-of-life decisions, contact us today. At Cremations Only, our dedicated staff is here to answer any questions you might have about the cremation process. We can also help you complete your end-of-wish plans.