How to Arrange a Cremation: Planning Checklist to Follow

Cremation of Southern Maine • July 25, 2022

Planning a cremation is exhausting, especially when you are in the middle of grief. This checklist will simplify the process and help you plan efficiently.

cremation services in Portland ME

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


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Families today are rethinking how they want to honor a loved one while managing emotional and practical realities. Many find that cremation service Scarborough, ME provides a balance of simplicity, flexibility, and personal choice that feels appropriate for modern life. This approach allows families to focus on remembrance and healing rather than navigating layers of unnecessary decisions during an already difficult time. Life today looks very different from it did generations ago. Families are often spread across multiple locations, schedules are full, and beliefs about end-of-life care continue to evolve. These realities shape how people make decisions during moments of loss. Cremation offers adaptable planning that aligns with these changes, which is why Cremation of Southern Maine supports families who value transparency, understanding, and respectful guidance throughout the process. Simplicity eases emotional strain. When families are grieving, clarity can provide comfort. A simplified arrangement process helps reduce emotional overload and removes pressure to make rapid decisions. Cremation allows families to slow down, giving them time to process loss without feeling rushed into commitments that may not feel right. This simplicity does not diminish meaning. Instead, it creates space for thoughtful reflection and personal remembrance. Families often appreciate having fewer immediate decisions so they can focus on supporting one another. Knowing that arrangements are handled clearly and calmly can provide a sense of stability during an uncertain time. Evolving values influence decisions. Beliefs around remembrance and legacy are changing. Many families now prioritize authenticity over formality, choosing options that reflect personal values rather than long-standing customs. Cremation supports a wide range of cultural, spiritual, and non-religious perspectives without imposing a specific structure. For families seeking reassurance, understanding why others choose this path can be helpful. Insight into direct cremation basics helps explain why simplicity, transparency, and control resonate with people who want arrangements that feel intentional rather than traditional. Flexibility supports modern families. Today’s families are often geographically dispersed. Coordinating schedules during a time of grief can be challenging, especially when travel is involved. Cremation allows families to plan moments of remembrance later, when emotions have settled, and logistics are easier to manage. This flexibility also benefits families with different preferences. Some may prefer quiet reflection, while others may want to gather at a later time. When reviewing simple cremation options , families often appreciate knowing arrangements can adapt to real-life needs without sacrificing dignity or care. Clear communication builds confidence. Transparency is essential when trust matters most. Families want to understand what will happen, when it will happen, and who is involved. Clear communication helps reduce anxiety and allows families to feel supported rather than uncertain. When information is shared plainly and respectfully, families gain confidence in their decisions. Knowing what to expect allows them to focus on healing instead of worrying about unanswered questions. This sense of clarity often makes a meaningful difference during an emotional time.  At Cremation of Southern Maine, we believe families deserve guidance rooted in understanding and respect. If you are considering a cremation service in Scarborough, ME, learning more about our values and approach can help you move forward with confidence. Helpful information about our philosophy and how we support families is available through our about our team . Know your options and choose a path that feels right for your family.