People often have many questions regarding the services we provide, but they find it too hard to ask those questions over the phone or in a face-to-face interview when in the throes of grief.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions we receive regarding cremation.
How do I decide between cremation and burials?
While the answer to this question is intensely personal, we would like you to consider a few points regarding cremation.
Cremation offers flexibility over a traditional burial.
When a person is cremated, the family can choose to have the end-of-life services at a time that is best suited for them. This may allow soldiers stationed overseas the opportunity to get home in time for the funeral. This also allows you to avoid having a funeral near major holidays, family birthdays, or catastrophic world events, such as pandemics.
Cremations are more affordable than traditional burials.
Many of our clients are uncomfortable bringing up costs soon after losing a loved one, but the reality is that we all have to live within a budget. It is important that you realize that a direct cremation can cost thousands of dollars less than a traditional burial.
Philadelphia Cremation Society has several packages to consider.
You can choose to inter the cremated remains of your loved one in a cemetery.
Some families want to be able to have a place to visit to grieve their loss. Even if your loved one chose cremation, you can bury the urn in a cemetery plot with a headstone if you desire. You could also place the urn in a columbarium niche so that you are assured that your loved one’s remains have an eternal final resting place.
Philadelphia Cremation Society can help you make any of these arrangements.
How much do cremations cost?
The cost of cremation in Philadelphia ranges between $1,000 and $2,500. The price depends on various factors, including the type of service you are planning for your loved one. To talk through the cost of cremation in Pennsylvania (and select areas of New Jersey and Delaware), call (610) 595-5327. You will receive a price quote from one of our experts on funeral planning with cremation services.
How do you plan a funeral when the body is cremated?
Families can take several different approaches when planning a funeral for a loved one who wished to be cremated. If the family wants to have the body present in an open casket during a visitation, Philadelphia Cremation Society can provide this service. The body will be embalmed and prepared for display. After the funeral, the body will be cremated, and the cremated remains will be returned to the family or interred in a final resting place.
Some families choose to have their loved ones cremated immediately after death. If direct cremation is chosen, embalming is not required. Families may choose to have the body present in an urn during the funeral services or to have a beloved photograph of the family member displayed.
Our staff will be happy to help you plan any type of service you desire for your loved one.
How do I get the remains of my loved one after cremation?
As we gather information regarding your loved one’s end-of-life services, we will ask how you prefer to receive the cremated remains.
You can choose to pick up the cremated remains from one of our facilities. We can also ship the remains to you or arrange for a scattering ceremony or interment in a cemetery or columbarium. If you have a special request, just ask. We will do all we can to make this entire process go smoothly.
My loved one prepaid for cremation. Will I have any additional expenses?
One benefit of prepaying for cremation is that the family locks in the current price of the service. Even if the cremation is already paid for, there will be other funeral expenses. These costs may include the cost of the service, county coroner fees, fees to publish obituaries, and fees for additional services that are not included in one of our prepaid cremation packages.
Our compassionate staff understands that you are grieving the loss of a loved one when you call to make arrangements. The Philadelphia Cremation Society provides a needed service, and we do it with compassion, patience, and understanding. We know that you are experiencing a traumatic moment with the passing of your loved one. We will do everything in our power to make the final arrangements go smoothly.
If you need immediate assistance, call 610-632-1191, or fill out this online contact form and request “immediate help.” Our staff is ready to help, no matter what time it is. Now offering support in select areas of New Jersey and Delaware.