Nowadays, many people are choosing cremation care as a reasonable alternative to traditional burial. This ongoing shift in
death care is due to changing attitudes and perspectives, ever-increasing burial costs, and the mobile nature of today’s society. But despite the rising popularity of
funeral home cremations in Nashville, TN, not everyone chooses it for themselves or their loved ones. Cremation is a choice that should be evaluated in context of your culture, religion, family, and finances.
Many people look to their community and faith to help them understand whether cremation care is an acceptable choice. Many cultures and religions leave the decision to cremate up to the individual. Some communities and faith groups strictly forbid the practice, and others encourage it. As you review your options, it’s a good idea to consult with a spiritual leader about the teachings of your faith about cremation. You can also observe any cultural practices on the matter and discuss it with family and others in your community.
Families often share strong bonds that connect them in identity and world view. Their shared history and heritage can be an important factor when considering whether a
funeral home cremation in Nashville, TN is the best choice. If you’re thinking about cremation as an option for you or a deceased loved one, consider getting input from members of your family, particularly if their feedback on the matter is important to you. If family customs or tradition are on your mind, a conversation with a trusted family member could be insightful.
Cremation tends to be much less expensive than traditional casket burial. However, the total cost depends on the associated costs of the funeral or memorial service you choose to conduct. Like most things in life, you can easily increase the price by adding service amenities and benefits to the ceremony. Prices can also vary depending on your location. Cities and states will differ in average cost for service, so take time to shop for the best value in your local market.
Cremation is viewed as a more favorable means of caring for mortal remains because it is considered more environmentally gentle than a traditional burial. Embalming chemical use is not required, nor is the purchase of a large casket, often made with products and materials that do not easily degrade. If the environment is an important concern for your family, cremation may be the right choice.
In death, the body undergoes unavoidable changes that return it to the basic elements from which it is made. In burial, decomposition is the process by which the body changes. In cremation, the change process occurs by heat. Consider your thoughts and feelings carefully and decide if you prefer one change method over the other.
Choosing cremation does not limit you or your family from holding a traditional funeral service and viewing, if desired. Rather, it provides several funeral and memorial options, including the following:
• Traditional funeral service with a viewing, followed by cremation.
• Traditional funeral service with no viewing, followed by cremation.
• Memorial service, with burial or disposition of the ashes afterward.
• No funeral home services or memorial, direct cremation services only.
In today’s world, families and friends who would gather for a loved one’s commemorative funeral or memorial are often spread across far distances, making it difficult to gather quickly for a traditional burial. In these situations, some families choose to cremate their loved one right away and plan a convenient time for all to gather later for a memorial service. Memorials are much the same as funerals in purpose and form, providing a gathering place for all to attend and remember the fallen.
There is no right or wrong way to care for the ashes of a loved one. Many families choose to bury them in a fixed location, much like a traditional gravesite. They may also choose to place the ashes in a cremation niche in a mausoleum or columbarium. Others choose to keep them in an urn at home. They may even choose to divide the ashes among several urns and share them with those who would like to keep a small part of their loved one close. Still others prefer to scatter the ashes of their loved one in a place that has special meaning. Be sure to check local laws before scattering ashes if this is the preferred choice of caring for your loved one.
Cremation Society of Tennessee is a compassionate and qualified provider of funeral home cremations in Nashville, TN. Contact us for a conversation today. Our facility is located at 2014 Elmer Pogue Dr. Ste 102 Columbia, TN 38401. Call us at (615) 302-4842.
To choose the right size urn, consider that the general rule of thumb is to have one cubic inch of space for every pound the deceased weighed prior to cremation. This means that a 150-pound individual will typically require an urn that is at least 150 cubic inches in volume. Additionally, consider if you plan to include any mementos, such as photographs or letters, which might require a slightly larger urn.
After cremation, the remains, consisting of bone fragments, are cooled and then processed into a finer, sand-like consistency. These ashes are then placed in a container or urn chosen by the family or as specified in pre-arrangement plans. The family can then decide to keep the ashes, scatter them, bury them in a cemetery, or place them in a columbarium, depending on their personal or cultural preferences. Learn more about cremation.
Veterans are entitled to certain benefits for cremation that include a free burial in a national cemetery and a provided grave marker or niche cover. They also receive a United States flag and may be eligible for a Presidential Memorial Certificate to honor their service. Additionally, no charges are applied for the opening and closing of the grave, a burial vault (if required), and ongoing care, making these benefits a significant honor and cost saving for the families of veterans.
Since 1935, our funeral home family has been serving the people of Columbia and surrounding areas during their most difficult moments.