Cremation Blog

Many laws and regulations must be followed when death occurs. For example, every crematory or funeral home in Pennsylvania and New Jersey has a cremation authorization process, which typically includes the official identification of the body, a certified copy of the death certificate, and an authorization document. The authorization ensures that cremation is the desired form of final disposition and that all parties understand and consent to the process.

Here’s what you need to understand about completing the Authorization to Cremate form from the Philadelphia Cremation Society.

What is cremation insurance? Cremation insurance, also known as final expense insurance or burial insurance, is a type of life insurance policy designed to cover the costs associated with cremation and other end-of-life expenses.

Are you interested in being an organ donor? Organ donation is the process of giving an organ or a part of an organ to another person who needs a transplant. Organ donations can save lives and improve the quality of life for recipients suffering from organ failure or severe illness. However, even though there are more than 100,000 people in the U.S. on the national transplantation waiting list, some people are still hesitant to donate organs. 

Here’s how organ donation and transplantation work—from the perspective of a donor and the donor’s family. 

If you are a service member or veteran or a family member of someone who served, you might wonder about veteran cremation benefits. Here’s what you need to know about U.S. Veterans funeral benefits, including the costs and covered services. 

Choosing the right cremation urn can be a deeply personal decision that reflects a loved one’s unique life and offers comfort during a time of loss. 

Whether you’re planning for the future or selecting a cremation urn for an immediate need, the variety of options can feel overwhelming during such a difficult time. Conversely, you may not be sure what options are available to you to choose a fitting urn that honors your loved one. 

That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process. Let’s explore 10 types of cremation urns available, ranging from traditional designs to more unique and personalized options, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’ve chosen an appropriate tribute for yourself or your loved one.

1. Traditional Urns

Traditional cremation urns are a popular choice for many families thanks to their time-honored design and functionality. They typically feature classic shapes like vases or boxes and are crafted from enduring materials like:

• Wood
• Metal
• Marble
• Ceramic

The design often includes elegant detailing like engravings or metal inlays for a dignified and respectful aesthetic suitable for any memorial setting.

Traditional cremation urns are versatile enough to be displayed in the home or placed in a formal setting like a columbarium. They blend seamlessly with various decor styles to provide a solemn and tasteful memorial for loved ones.

If you’re seeking a timeless way to commemorate someone special, traditional urns offer beauty and the reassuring sense of permanence needed during times of mourning.

2. Keepsake Urns

Keepsake urns serve a special purpose in the world of memorial products. They’re smaller than traditional urns and designed to hold a small portion of cremated remains so multiple family members can keep a physical memory of their loved one close, even if they live in different locations.

Keepsake cremation urns come in a variety of materials, including:

• Glass
• Metal
• Ceramic
• Wood

The compact size of keepsake cremation urns makes them ideal for display in the home. You can place them on a mantle, within a glass cabinet, or on a dedicated

When we think of funerals and cremation ceremonies, we often think of a solemn gathering in a religious building or a formal graveside or funeral home setting. But maybe your loved one wasn’t religious or wished for a specific type of ceremony. Or perhaps a family member or other attendees would feel uncomfortable with a religious ceremony. 

Whatever the reason, many families opt to hold an alternative funeral known as a non-religious cremation ceremony. So what are your options, and what should you consider when you arrange a non-religious funeral service? Let’s find the answers.

What is cremation preplanning? You may have heard of an aging family member scheduling an appointment with a local funeral director to pay and plan for their own traditional funeral. 

However, you may not know that you can pre-plan for your own end-of-life – no matter the method of final disposition.

Here’s what you need to know about cremation preplanning.

Choosing between a traditional funeral and cremation can be a deeply personal decision influenced by various factors, including cultural, religious, financial, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of considerations that might guide this decision-making process when planning your loved one’s funeral service.