Monthly Archives: May 2020

funeral homes in Trenton, FL

Caskets and Coffins

If you’ve watched a movie or a TV show, you’ve probably heard the term “coffin.” But what is a coffin? What is a casket? Are there any differences between the two? If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone. Many people researching funeral homes in Trenton, FL want to know the differences, if any, between caskets and coffins. However, the choice between the two is ultimately the family’s or the deceased depending on final wishes.

While both coffins and caskets are burial containers used to hold remains of a deceased person for a funeral, wake, visitation, and final disposition, in the United States most people use the more modern casket. The main differences begin in the details. For starters, a casket is a special box made to hold the remains of a deceased person. These boxes are made in rectangular shapes with four sides and hinged lids. Caskets also usually have handles that make them easier to life and move and can be used for both cremations and burials depending on the material. Caskets can be made from a variety of materials, but the two most common are wood and metal. The average metal casket is made from stainless steel and the average wood from mahogany or oak. Most caskets are finished with soft interior linings to give the deceased a comfortable place to rest.

On the other hand, coffins have six sides and are wider on the top than on the bottom. This tapered design was chosen to match the shape of the body as shoulders are wider than feet. Coffins also do not have hinged lids. Instead, they have removable lids that must be fully lifted. The vast majority of coffins are made out of wood and are also finished with cloth interior linings, but they do not have exterior handles for carrying. In fact, any additional decoration or handles are not considered part of the coffin but are instead called “coffin furniture.”

Traditionally coffin furniture is used to display the deceased’s wealth or status. The other big difference between caskets and coffins is price. Caskets are generally more expensive as they have more decoration and use more elaborate materials. Coffins, on the other hand, require less material as the tapered shape uses less wood and thus lowers the overall price. It is important to note that it may be hard to find a coffin manufacturer as they are not in style and not as popular.

At the end of the day, the differences between caskets and coffins don’t matter even though they are very similar. All that matters is that you choose whatever is right for your lost loved one and your family. J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel is a Trenton, NJ funeral home with the experience, compassion and expertise needed to offer you additional information on caskets, coffins and other funeral services to help you plan a service that will honor and remember your lost loved one. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

cremation services in Levittown, PA

Arranging Your Cremation Service After You’re Gone

Its tradition for people to designate who will carry out their end of life wishes, usually the next of kin. However, sometimes people wish to designate other people besides their next of kin to be in charge of their cremation services in Levittown, PA. As its you’re your cremation service, it’s up to you to choose.

Whether you want to designate a close friend, an estate executor, or even one of your children, it is possible to choose who arranges your cremation service. There are some steps you need to take, however, to make sure this happens. According to state law, all instructions for last wishes must meet certain requirements in order for them to considered legal and binding. These requirements include:

  • Signature of the decedent
  • Acknowledgement of the decedent signature, meaning getting the document notarized
  • Signature of the agent or successor agreeing to act as the decedent’s agent after death

Any modifications to a document must be in writing and also notarized in to make them valid. While these requirements seem like a lot, its actually easier than you think to meet them as many states have specific forms for people to leave final instructions and to designate someone other than their next of kind to make final arrangements. However, it’s important to remember that these forms do not trump or replace a Power of Attorney or a legal will, as they are only there to provide end of life instructions. Again, any and all written instructions, from a Power of Attorney to an end of life form, must be signed by both parties before the death.

It’s important that you also don’t forget about:

  • Non-Traditional Relationships – Nontraditional relationships, like common law marriages, same sex relationships, or even families with lots of children often require additional steps and paperwork. Do research if you think this applies to your situation to make sure you’re covered.
  • Do Your Own Research – Understanding how your state handles end of life arrangements and associated legal matters is very important. Do some research of your own to make sure you understand.
  • Make and Distribute Copies – Don’t just fill out the forms and forget about them. Make and give out copies to important people like those named in the document or caregivers.
  • Be Specific – Be specific in your end of life instructions. Include information such as the type of disposition you want as clearly as possible.
  • Consult a Lawyer – It’s always a good idea to consult an attorney before making any official plans as they can best advise you on how to proceed.

Please reach out to J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel if you want more information on Levittown, PA cremation services or end of life wishes. You can visit us at 41 W Trenton Ave Morrisville, PA 19067 or call (215) 295-7725. You have every right to designate whomever you want to take care of them for you but be sure to do it correctly to make sure your wishes are followed. Your end of life arrangements are just that, yours.

funeral homes in Levittown, PA

Traditional Funeral Homes and Burials

Most funeral homes in Levittown, PA offer both traditional burial and cremation services. However, even though cremation services are becoming more and more popular all across the country, there are still many families that choose traditional burials over cremation.

If cremation is so great, why are so many families still choosing burial? There are a variety of reasons as to why they make this choice. But, as their experiences may help you choose what’s right for you and your lost loved one, here are 5 common reasons why people choose traditional burial services. First, many families have been burying lost family members in the same cemetery for generations, so it’s important for them to continue this long-standing family tradition. For many people, holding onto this burial tradition is comforting in a time of loss and is an important part of their family history.

Read also: Pet Funeral And Cremation Services

There are also many religions that dictate burial over cremation even though other religions have come around to the idea of cremation over burial. Many branches of Christianity and Catholicism allow for cremation, but there are still many religions that hold firm in their beliefs that burial is the only way to go. For example, the Jewish faith does not condone cremation. If it’s important for you and your family to maintain religious traditions, then you should absolutely choose burial.

On average, cremations cost less than burials. This lowered cost is one of the main reasons why people are choosing cremation over burial. However, there are those that don’t mind the extra cost because burial is important to them and their family. Not everyone is concerned about cost when it comes to putting a loved one to rest. If you are ready to spend more money on a burial to honor your lost loved one or a family tradition than you should do so without any guilt. Finally, sometimes the deceased leaves clear instructions for his or her final disposition. If the deceased wanted to be buried, then you should follow his or her wishes.

There are a lot of myths surrounding cremation, from having ashes given to the wrong person to a lack of dignity. These myths might deter people from choosing cremation and have them choose burial instead. Even though these myths are mostly not based in fact, it’s perfectly OK for people to choose burial if they prefer or if it makes them more comfortable. If it’s your personal preference to choose burial, then that’s what you should do.

Read also: How to Find the Perfect Cremation Urn

There is nothing wrong with choosing a burial just as there is nothing wrong with choosing a cremation. At the end of the day, choosing a burial or a cremation all depends on what’s important to you and your family.

If you have more questions about your body disposition options or would like to learn more about Levittown, PA funeral homes J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel is here for you. You can stop by and visit us at 41 W Trenton Ave Morrisville, PA 19067 or give us a call at (215) 295-7725 today.

cremation services in Yardley, PA

Cremation Service Containers

According to state law, all cremation services in Yardley, PA must place the body inside a cremation container before being put inside the cremation chamber. But what are cremation containers, and what do they do?

Cremation containers are large and sturdy boxes that hold the body during transportation to the chamber and during the cremation itself. Cremation containers can vary from simple cardboard boxes to more traditional caskets. There are a few different kinds of cremation containers, each with different intentions and needs. The main thing that they all have in common is that they are fully combustible, meaning they don’t have any parts that won’t melt or break down under extreme heat like decorations or metal handles.

With the many different options, how do you choose the right container for your lost loved one? The first step is being informed and knowing your options. Then you should take the deceased’s wishes into account, as well as what kind of cremation and service you are going to have. And, finally, get help when you need it.

  • You start choosing the right kind of cremation container by going off of what you need. The most common kind of cremation container is a rigid cardboard box that is large enough to hold an average body. The purpose of the container is to provide a dignified means of storing the body prior to cremation and to literally contain the body while it is being prepared for cremation and when entering the retort. These common containers are simple and unadorned, making them budget friendly for those looking for an inexpensive option.
  • Families can also choose to rent caskets for the funeral service and then use a common cremation container for the cremation itself. This is a good way to save money while also honoring the deceased with a more decorated casket. Rental caskets are kept sanitary with removable linings, shells and overlays that are used to hold the body in the rental as well as the cremation container.
  • In some instances, the family wishes to spend a bit more money on a decorated cremation casket. This usually happens when there is going to be a viewing or service with the body present before the cremation. These cremation caskets are decorated with combustible or removable hardware and are often made from wood and natural materials like bamboo or wicker. Or, in some cases, the common cremation container isn’t an option, such as when the body is larger than average and requires a sturdier box.
  • There are a few other kinds of cremation containers and caskets such as green caskets that are made from natural materials or Jewish caskets, called arons, that are specially made for Jewish funerals.

J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel offers Yardley, PA cremation services from 41 W Trenton Ave Morrisville, PA 19067. Please stop by and visit us or give us a call at (215) 295-7725 to learn more about what we can do to help you in your time of loss.