Planning a Cremation Service

How to Plan a Cremation Service

With more and more families choosing cremation as their preferred method of disposition, many area residents have expressed an interest in learning more about the process of cremation planning. To help you better understand cremation and what’s involved in planning a cremation service, we have dedicated this section of our website to providing information about cremation and the planning process.

Cremation is often viewed as a more affordable option than a traditional burial. It should also be noted that the cost of cremation does not include any service costs. There are many more service options that come with choosing cremation including celebration of life services, memorial services, or ash scattering services. If you would like to hold a funeral service prior to the cremation, there will be additional expenses. Cost is always an important factor when arranging a service. With many different services and options to memorialize and honor a loved one, it’s important to first establish a budget. Learn more about your cremation options here

Review Frequently Asked Questions About Memorial Services Here

Planning A Cremation Service

Here at Affordable Cremation & Burial, we strive to make planning a cremation service a stress-free and straightforward process. Whether you are in immediate need or interested in pre-planning a cremation service, the steps involved are very similar. Below we have provided you with a brief checklist of steps to follow when planning a cremation service.

Cremation Planning Guide Book

Cremation Planning Guide


Here is a brief checklist to help you with funeral planning:
  • Prepare for the funeral or viewing service. If you or your loved one plans to have a funeral or a viewing, contact the funeral director so they can organize this before the cremation. Consider what type of ceremony you would like to have (funeral, memorial, celebration of life). 
  • Selecting a date when the time comes to decide on the type of service you and your family choose to have after the cremation. 
  • Notify any out-of-town family and friends taking part in the service you choose to have. This could include contacting them by e-mail, text, or phone call. Make sure to give them enough time to make travel arrangements (e.g., booking a hotel).  
  • Arrange for the transportation of the body. Transporting the deceased from the site of death to the funeral home. 
  • Witnessing the cremation may be a possibility. If it is a possibility, get permission from the funeral home if you think you would like to witness the cremation. However, some crematoriums do not allow this. 
  • Select choice of flowers (and colors) for the service. Some options you can choose from include buying flowers, bouquets from your own garden, live plants or just flowers that were provided as gifts. Also note that some families choose to send flowers home after the service. 
  • Selecting music for the service. Many memorial services are open and close to music. Some options include playing a favorite song of the deceased, local musicians doing a performance, or leading guests in a hymn.  
  • If the deceased is a military veteran, will they receive a military ceremony? 
  • Decide with family and friends who will do readings and/or prayer. This could include saying some words on behalf of the deceased like a poem or a special passage from a favorite book.  
  • Make note of any key details the deceased would like included in the obituary.  
  • Browse and select any funeral products or memorial items that will be needed (Urns, memorial jewelry, etc.) 
  • Decide what to do with the remains. After the cremation, choose whether the remains will be buried in a burial plot, entombing in a mausoleum, etc. There are also many options when it comes to ash scattering, some of these include scattering in a flower bed, national park, a spot down by the water on a beach, etc. 
  • Finalize your plan and go through each item on your checklist. For example, if you are hosting a reception at your house, you may want to make sure you have enough plates, silverware, seating, and tables. 

Please note that these steps are for cremation pre-planning. 
If you are in immediate need, please complete this form and contact us as soon as possible
Planning a Cremation Service Flower

Involving Your Family 

It is important to involve your family and close friends when planning a cremation service. Pre-arranging is an excellent option for family members and friends to come together to discuss ideas in a calm and collective manner. Involving those affected by the loss of a loved one gives them an opportunity to express their grief and gives the family a sense of relief. More importantly, this helps family and friends make decisions ahead of time and carry out the wishes of their loved one so that nobody must make last minute planning decisions. 

Contact Us
Share by: