Is Cremation a Substitute for a Funeral?

 





When it comes to our afterlife, there is no easy answer. While you may have indicated your wishes before your death, the ultimate decision comes down to your family. The decision is also affected by your budget, religious and personal beliefs, and other intangible factors. 

 

The decision to cremate is on the rise. According to the Cremation Association of North America, cremation has grown 1-2% yearly since 1963, with more than 50% of Americans choosing cremation over burial since 2015. Cremation is expected to increase to 64% by 2024. 

 

It’s not surprising that cremation providers have seen a rise in inquiries about their services, especially as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Funeral Directors Association reports an increase in direct cremations since the onset of COVID-19. Cremation provides a way to say goodbye to loved ones while following social distancing guidelines and travel precautions. 

 

Cremation is not a replacement for a funeral or memorial service; it is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition. Many choose to honor their loved ones with a funeral or memorial service in addition to cremation. However, there are practical reasons for choosing cremation:

  • Cremation is often faster than a burial, which could explain the upswing in popularity. Many crematories can handle up to eight cremations per day by running their furnaces 24/7. Due to increased demand, traditional funeral homes have also been providing this service. 

  • Cremation is a simpler process that takes up less land, thus preserving ground space. 

  • Cremation provides more flexibility in terms of memorialization as compared to a traditional burial. The ashes of the loved one can later be displayed in an urn in your home, scattered over land or water, buried in a burial plot, or entombed in a mausoleum. You’re also able to carry your loved one’s remains with you if you move.

  • Cremation is also less expensive than a traditional burial. The average cost of cremation in the United States is $1,500, while a funeral with a traditional burial can cost upwards of $10,000. During a time of grief, families are looking for ways to reduce financial stress while saying a proper goodbye to their loved ones. ARN Funeral & Cremation Services offers simple, affordable, and dignified cremation for $799. We also have memorial service packages priced to meet the needs of each family we serve.

 

Since 1935, ARN Funeral & Cremation Services has proudly served the greater Indianapolis area. As a family-owned funeral home, we believe it's our mission to guide other families through their time of grief. Our facility includes a beautiful chapel for funerals and memorial services as well as on-site cremation for your peace of mind. Let us take care of you with dignity and compassion. To learn more about our services, call us at 1-317-873-4776 or complete our contact form. 

 

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