Funerals are an important part of life for many families. When someone passes, holding a funeral or celebration of life allows the family time and space to grieve as well as remember their loved one together. However, funerals are often rooted in stiff and formal traditions that make any flexibility difficult and frowned upon.
If your family is considering cremation in Brownstown, you might also be wondering if you can still hold a traditional funeral for your loved one before or afterward. Here is what you need to know:
Funerals Before Cremation
Those who wish to have a formal funeral may do so before the cremation of the body. In these cases, you may purchase or rent a casket or use a special cremation casket that will be used during the cremation process. This gives the family the chance to mourn traditionally while also using cremation instead of traditional burial.
Funerals after Cremation
You may also choose to hold a funeral after cremation or simply in lieu of having the body present. This offers more flexibility. It also reduces the overall cost tremendously.
These ceremonies may also be referred to as memorials or tributes. They feature many of the same traditions and rituals as a funeral, especially if the decedent was Catholic, but do not require the body to be present.
Funeral Alternatives
Some families choose to hold an informal gathering site, either at a scattering or interment site, or at a local church or a loved one’s home. These gatherings can cost as little as nothing and are often smaller and much more personalized than a funeral could be.
Your family’s chosen style of ceremony may fall somewhere between the formal and the relaxed, and that is okay! Creating a memorial that is meaningful to your family and friends is the goal. Cremation is just one step in the process of making that happen, so be sure to discuss your plans with Our Lady of Hope Cemetery.
