A quick Google search will show that there are a lot of cremation companies near you. So how do you select one – especially during a time of grief?
Here are some questions you should ask when choosing a cremation provider.
The Top Questions to Ask a Cremation Company
1. What is your service area?
Cremation companies typically serve a given area. The staff may assist those living slightly outside that area, but they may be charged a higher transportation fee.
2. What if we aren’t ready to plan our loved one’s funeral service? Can I just pay for the cremation?
What you are describing is direct cremation. This service is the perfect solution for families who are not having a funeral immediately after their loved one dies.
During direct cremation (sometimes called simple cremation), the body is removed from the place of death to the cremation center. Once the required forms are completed, the cremation occurs. Then, the cremated remains are returned to the family members.
3. What are the costs for cremation services?
Some families feel awkward asking questions about cremation costs. But unfortunately, emotional overspending is common during this painful time because people make plans without asking about prices.
You should never hesitate to ask a cremation provider or a funeral home about their pricing structure. Talking about money does not affect the dignity of the situation. Instead, it’s a matter of practicality.
After all, would your loved one want you to pay more money for a service that’s less expensive elsewhere?
4. What are the added costs for the direct cremation process?
If you have previously planned a funeral, you know that the bill you receive from the funeral home may not include all of the costs of the funeral service. After all, you may have to pay extra for a steel or wooden casket, embalming, as well as the other fees associated with a traditional burial.
That’s why it’s wise to ask about additional charges that you should be aware of other than the actual cremation. For example, not all cremation providers include the cost of an urn, which means that you can expect the cremated remains returned in a temporary cremation container. In addition, other facilities may charge an extra fee for the cremation casket required for the process.
Again, don’t feel awkward asking the funeral director the cost for the final arrangements.
5. Do you have a system that verifies that the cremated remains I receive are those of my loved one?
This is a valid question to a cremation service. If they can’t answer the question to your satisfaction, you will have more peace of mind in taking your business elsewhere.
6. When and how will I receive my loved one’s cremated remains?
You may want the cremation company to hand-deliver the ashes to your home or securely transport the ashes through the mail. Perhaps you would like assistance with scattering the cremated remains.
Maybe you wish that the remains will be available for the memorial service (or graveside service if you plan on burying the ashes in a cemetery.)
Ask the cremation provider when and how you will receive the remains and any charges associated with the delivery.
Consider Smart Cremation as an Alternative to Funeral Homes
If you have already chosen direct cremation for your final disposition, consider reaching out to Smart Cremation. We are happy to answer any commonly asked questions you may have. We are proud to help families save money on direct cremation (compared with how much they would spend for cremations at a traditional funeral home).
Learn about our service areas and give us a call if you have any additional questions.
