When planning a funeral either for yourself or a loved one, the first choice you'll need to make is whether you want a burial or a cremation. While burials are the most common choice for many families, cremation offers its own host of benefits. Here is what you need to know to make a decision that is best for yourself or your loved one. 

Common Cremation Questions Answered 

How does it work?

This method relies on a specially-designed furnace that generates temperatures between 1400 and 1800 F, leaving coarse ashes behind. On average, the process takes between one and three hours, depending on the temperature setting. The ashes are later returned to the family, who later carry out their loved one’s wishes. 

Why do people choose it?

For some people, this method is an important part of religious or cultural traditions. Others want to be able to keep a memento of their loved ones close at hand, such as an urn. 

Can I pre-plan cremation services?

Many funeral homes offer cremation pre-planning. This approach can provide peace of mind for the individual, as they know how their last wishes will be carried out. Their family will know exactly how to carry out the cremation services, so they won’t have to worry about guessing what their loved one would’ve wanted. To start the pre-planning process, contact your preferred funeral home and speak with the director to pick an urn, plan a memorial service, and put all your requests in writing so there is no confusion. 

What should I do with the ashes?

Some people find it meaningful to scatter the ashes of a loved one in a place which the deceased enjoyed spending time in. In other cases, they are interred in a small grave or inside a mausoleum. If you'd like to keep the ashes, you have options besides an urn; they can also be turned into jewelry, decorative glasswork, and other memorial items.

If you're considering cremation as an option, Meyer & Geiser Funeral Home in Cincinnati, OH, will help you make the decision that is best for you. Their skilled and compassionate staff have been serving Hamilton County for over 70 years, providing dignified, personalized funeral services to honor friends and family. To pre-plan a cremation service, call (513) 921-4144 or visit their website to read more about their funeral arrangements.