Cremation Planning Checklist
When you lose a loved one, the last thing you want to try and remember all the details of planning a funeral service and scheduling events. That’s why we have compiled a Cremation Planning Checklist to reference in your time of need. Plus, we’ve put together a downloadable guide to help you navigate all the questions surrounding cremation.
The Decision
- Talk to your family about cremation long before the time for decision arises. Knowing what direction a loved wants taken, clarifies the decision and shapes your plans.
- Consider the benefits of cremation. When it comes to burial choices, cremation is actually very affordable. Cremation is a very streamlined process that allows for more choice when it comes to the disposition of the remains.
- Choose a funeral home. Finding a funeral home with a crematory is best done far in advance. The funeral home’s funeral director can help you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
The Preparation
- Prepare necessary legal documents. Like every legal process, cremation requires certain documents. Typically, these documents will include the following.
- A Cremation Authorization Form is typically needed by your place of choice for cremation. This is to be signed by family members with legal authority.
- A certified copy of a Death Certificate.
- Both of these forms are transmitted to the local coroner’s office and they will issue a Cremation Permit .
- Pre-fund your cremation . If you haven’t taken steps already, consider starting a separate fund for cremation and funeral costs or checking on your existing life policies to make sure there will be sufficient coverage in your time of need.
The Process
- Schedule the cremation. You should be conscious that the typical time frame for cremation is between 5-7 days after the date of passing. Plans should be made for funeral and memorial services before entering into the process in order to fit the time frame.
- Consider how involved you want to be. When a loved one enters into the cremation process, you should consider how involved in the process you want to be. Most facilities allow the loved ones of the deceased a last look before entering into the process.
- Decide who will collect the urn after the process is finished.
- Consider the timing of the memorial service . Some families prefer to have the urn present during their memorial services. Make sure to keep this in mind when scheduling the cremation.
Cremation Planning – Pre-Planning Makes it Easy
The cremation process is a streamlined and fairly simple process. Pre-planning the funeral and cremation can save your family from a lot of stress when they are trying to grieve. Choosing a funeral home ahead of time is essential to making sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Our funeral directors will work with you to plan a fitting memorial service and to answer your questions about cremation planning.