Cremation with Traditional Funeral Services

Families that choose cremation can still participate in more traditional aspects of funeral services. For many families, it can be a difference in when cremation occurs. With some families, the traditions of a funeral are more important than the method of how the deceased is laid to rest. This article will discuss the changes in preparing a traditional funeral service depending on when the cremation occurs. 

Cremation Before Service

If the cremation occurs before the funeral, the service for your loved one can remain largely unchanged. The main difference is that there is generally an urn in place of a casket. Generally, the urn will be displayed on a plinth or in a glass case during the service. A major benefit of cremation before the service is that you can hold off on the service until a weekend or another time. This is a good option for families that are spread out across the country or abroad, as it gives more time for family members to gather together.

Some families may choose to rent a casket to sit in place of the deceased and proceed with the service as usual. While mainly symbolic, it is not uncommon. 

Cremation After Service

Some families choose to have the cremation after the funeral service. In these cases, the service will generally be held shortly after death. Unlike in many traditional burial cases, the deceased’s body will not be as processed for viewings. This is because of the need to cremate later. Generally, families rent a casket for viewing during the funeral service. 

Burial or Interment of an Urn

Urns may be buried or interred in a cemetery, just like a casket. If the family has the cremation done before the funeral service, the family may choose to have a procession to the burial site at the cemetery. This will also usually include a memorial service at the burial site. 

For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.