Do Loved Ones Often Choose Cremation Over Funerals These Days?

While cremation has been a prevalent form of disposition for centuries in many places around the world, it didn’t catch on in the United States until 1876. Even then, it was reviled by many that believed “to burn” (the definition of cremation) was a demeaning and sacrilegious means of disposal after death. However, cremation has become the dominant disposition method over the last few decades, and now cremation services in Mount Summit, IN, make up over half of the funerary arrangements. That number is expected to climb to over 70 percent by the year 2035, as cremation is now seen as quicker, more efficient, and eco-friendlier than burials.

Cremation means there’s no decomposition unless the decedent was deceased for a long period of time before being brought to the crematorium. Which sometimes happens. In some cases, cremation services can be direct, which means a body is brought from the place of death to a crematorium, directly, without the ceremony of traditional viewings or funerary services.

So, yes, to the title question. Cremations, specifically direct cremations, are often chosen over funerals and burials these days. While some people seek solace and peace in traditional funeral preparations, others are content to host ceremonies and life celebrations with loved ones at home, after the cremation has already reduced a decedent to ashes.

How Much Less Expensive are Cremations Over Burials?

The average burial in the United States costs $9,000, roughly, with the inclusion of casket, funeral service, plot, and the burial process. On average, cremation services in the United States range from $2,000 to $5,000, dependent upon possible funeral services and a special urn for the remains.

If you look at the averages, cremation services in the United States can be anywhere between $4,000 to $7,000 less expensive than burials. The funeral home or crematorium you choose is also a factor, as they set their own prices and one might differ in cost from another.

From Beginning to End, How Long Does a Cremation Process Take? Including Retrieval of the Ashes.

From start to finish, cremation services, including preparations, the cremation process, and retrieval, can take anywhere from four days to two weeks. Legal authorization is required before the state of Indiana can proceed with acts of disposition, such as cremation. Ergo, decedents are kept refrigerated in a safe vault until authorization is achieved, then the cremation process itself will take three to four hours.

When the family is alerted to the end of the cremation process, they have up to six weeks to collect the ashes of a decedent.

Can Two People Be Cremated at the Same Time?

No. While it’s possible for two people to have died in an accident at the same time, their bodies can’t be cremated at the same time. Legally, a funeral home or crematorium isn’t allowed to cremate two bodies at once.

When shopping for cremation services it’s important to remember that you’re in control. The kind of cremation services, and funerary arrangements, that you want are dependent on your requests, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and give details as to how you imagine the cremation and funerary services to go.

You can learn more about cremation services in Mount Summit, IN. Talk to us at Sproles Family Funeral Home to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Indiana or call our locations.