How To Plan Cremation Services

Most people are aware of the many benefits of choosing cremation services in Trenton, NJ for final body disposition, but many people don’t know how to go about planning cremation services. Whether you’re preplanning for your own eventual passing, or dealing with a recent loss of a loved one, these steps can give you a better idea of how to plan cremation services.

1. Choose The Cremation Service– There are a few different types of cremations, and the first step is to choose which one you want. The two main types of cremation you can choose from are traditional cremation and direct cremation. Traditional cremation involves a funeral or service before the cremation. The body is embalmed and put in a casket for a funeral service, then cremated afterward. Direct cremation happens before any type of service, so the body is not embalmed or put in a casket.

2. Obtain a Death Certificate– You will have to furnish a death certificate in order for a cremation facility to process the body. If you don’t already have one, some funeral homes and crematories may help you get one for an extra charge. Be sure to get extra copies, as you will need a death certificate copy for many stops along the way.

3. Cremation Authorization Forms– Every body must be held and examined by the county coroner or medical examiner before it can be cremated. The examiner must fill out and sign a cremation authorization form with details like:

• Date of birth
• Pacemakers or other implants
• Infectious diseases
• Time, place and cause of death

Many cremation authorization forms also include fingerprints or other body identifiers.

4. Arrange Transportation For the Body – Most funeral homes and crematories provide transportation for the body from the place of death, medical office or storage to the crematorium. In some cases, the family must arrange separate transportation.

5. Furnish a Cremation Casket – Even if you choose a direct cremation, you will still need a cremation casket for the body to be cremated in. Some facilities provide a cremation casket or simple box free of charge.

6. Determine Post Cremation Plans– The cremated remains will be returned to you after the cremation, so you must make plans for what to do with them. Some common options include scattering, burying or interring, displaying or storing the remains. Others choose to bury or inter the remains in the ground, a mausoleum, or a columbarium. You can also display the remains in an urn at home or some other special location.

If you would like more guidance on arranging Trenton, NJ cremation services, or have general questions about cremation or funerals, J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel is here to help. We offer years of cremation expertise, and would be happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Please pay us a visit at 41 W Trenton Ave Morrisville, PA 19067, or give us a call at (215) 295-7725 to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss.