When you’re preparing for the funeral of a loved one or pre-planning your own arrangements, you face many profound decisions. Whether to choose a traditional burial or cremation is among the most important and the most personal. To help you make your choice, here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this process.

Cremation FAQ 

What should I do with the ashes? 

You can choose to bury the ashes in a cemetery and mark it with a headstone, just as you would a casket, or keep it in a niche at a columbarium. You can also store the ashes in your home in a simple or decorative urn. Many people choose to scatter them in a place that was meaningful to the deceased, such as the sea. Always check with local authorities or private property owners before dispersing the ashes; while many areas will honor your request, there are certain sites, like national parks, where you’ll need a permit. There are also companies that turn ashes into heirloom jewelry or other ornamental keepsakes. 

Who can authorize a cremation? 

If you’re pre-planning your own service, you can provide instructions for the disposition of your remains in writing. In other instances, a surviving spouse or domestic partner, adult child, lawfully appointed guardian, or other close relative has the authority to request this type of disposition. A selected fiduciary of the estate can also provide approval if needed. Your funeral director will help you or your loved ones through the process of completing the necessary paperwork. 

Is cremation permitted by all religions? 

In many Christian denominations, cremation is not forbidden. The Catholic Church has historically opposed the process, but there is growing acceptance, particularly if the body is still given traditional funeral rites. The Jewish and Muslim faiths forbid it and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America opposes it. It is an acceptable practice in Buddhism, and the preferred method of disposition in Hinduism.

What kind of funeral services are appropriate for cremation? 

This type of disposition can suit any type of funeral service. You can plan a traditional service with a viewing, with a cremation afterward, or you can select a memorial service in which no body is present at any time after the passing of a loved one. 

Jacqueline M. Ryan Home for Funerals in Keansburg, NJ, has been providing the community with touching, personalized memorial services, burial services, and cremation since 1947. A director will walk you through making funeral arrangements, simplifying the process to create the perfect service to honor your loved one. Their compassionate staff will also help you make pre-arrangements. Call (732) 787-1177 or visit them online to learn more.