How to Arrange a Cremation: Planning Checklist to Follow

A lot goes into arranging cremation services in Portland, ME. Working off a checklist will help you plan and clarify your thoughts and choices. 

It’s also a useful tool if you are pre-planning. It will help you define your preferences and save your family from stress and potential conflict. 

As a result, we’ve decided to share our cremation planning checklist with you. 

Decide on a Service Option 

There are different cremation services, and choosing one will determine what you need to plan for. You can choose between - 

Direct Cremation: no frills cremation. No embalming, visitation, or ceremonial services. The most affordable option. 

Cremation with Traditional Service: like a traditional funeral service, except the body goes to the crematorium instead of the cemetery after the funeral services. 

Cremation with Memorial Service: the memorial service occurs in honor of the memory of a loved one before or after the cremation. 

Direct cremation is a good idea if you aren’t sure of the best way to honor your loved one. You can cremate the body and collect the ashes. 

When you have a clearer picture, you can decide to have a memorial service, scattering ceremony, or a celebration of life event. 

You don’t have to make these decisions alone. We encourage you to involve family members and those closest to you. Ask how they feel about cremation and which services they prefer, then decide together. 

Set a Budget 

When you know the exact type of service you want, you can set a budget based on what you can afford. A budget will keep you from overspending, which is likely due to grief. 

A direct cremation is a low-cost cremation, and you can get one for less than $1,500. Cremation with traditional service is the costliest, while cremation with memorial service is somewhere in the middle. 

Understanding the financial commitment that comes with each type of cremation will also help you choose the one that suits your circumstances most. 

Choose a Funeral Home/Cremation Provider 

Working with a reliable and experienced funeral home or cremation provider will smoothen the rest of the process. 

They can pinpoint the exact service(s) and the more minor details you need to consider for your circumstance. For example, there’s less to plan for in a direct cremation than in a traditional service. 

Also, funeral professionals can take over the planning, allowing you to focus on mourning your loved one. 

Choose What will Be Done with the Cremated Remains 

After the cremation, you can choose to scatter the remains, bury them, keep them at home, etc. 

There are diverse ways to handle the cremated ashes after receiving them, and each one comes with its arrangements. 

For instance, if you wish to split the ashes between family members, you may need to purchase keepsake urns or jewelry. 

Also, knowing what to do with the ashes beforehand may help you pick the right service package from the cremation provider and save you from extra costs. 

This checklist and working with a cremation service provider in Portland, ME, will help you successfully arrange a cremation. Feel free to call us to discuss your options and preferences. Our professionals are happy to chat with you.