As a child in school, do you ever remember not raising your hand to ask a question because you thought the answer was too simple and that everyone else probably already knew it? Or, perhaps you felt like what you wanted to know was weird and off-topic. Whatever the reason, you were self-conscious about asking, so you didn’t. As an adult, when it comes to something as important as cremation services in Hightstown, NJ, you need to be brave and ask those questions, even if you feel weird about them. The cremation providers aren’t going to laugh at you and they aren’t going to ignore what you need to know. You deserve all of the information so you can make the right decisions for your family member, or for yourself is you are planning ahead of time. Here are some of the weird questions answered…and they aren’t really weird at all! 

Are Funerals Impossible To Place With Cremation? 

This is a very valid thing to ask. When the funeral home director asks you if you want a cremation service for your loved one, or a traditional funeral, you might think that it’s an either/or situation, but it’s not. Cremation can be combined with anything you want. You can have a full cremation, which means having a funeral and even a visitation first, then the cremation afterwards. Or you can have direct cremation, which happens soon after the person dies with no services beforehand and you can follow that up with a memorial service that feels like a funeral. There are many other options in between to consider. 

Are Ashes Actually Your Loved One? 

The cremation process changes the form of your loved one’s body. They are no longer flesh and bones, but rather an ash-like substance. The remains you receive back in the simple container, or the urn of your choice, are absolutely your loved one. That is why the cremation provider, and your family, will and should treat the remains with the utmost care and respect. 

Is Cremation Something I Can Watch? 

There is such a thing as witnessing the cremation process and it’s something that some families feel very strongly about. Perhaps they want that intimate moment as a group. Maybe they want closure. Or some of them just don’t want their loved one to be alone. Whatever the reason, it’s definitely an option and it’s something you will want to think about and offer to your family. It’s not for everyone, however, and if you don’t witness the cremation, that’s okay, too. 

Does My Loved One Need Clothes? 

If you’ve never had to arrange a cremation for anyone before, you’ve likely never thought about what they do or don’t wear for that process. The answer is open-ended as you can do whatever you please. There are certain things your loved one can’t take into cremation with them, like anything metal (buttons on some outfits may be a problem), but other than those few things, they can wear whatever you want, or nothing at all. The options are all yours to consider and decide upon. 

If you are thinking about cremation services in Hightstown, NJ and you have questions—ask them or visit our location now.