Cremation can be an affordable, dignified choice, with a farewell ceremony and a lasting place of remembrance. It is natural to have questions about costs, the urn and arrangements. These five answers help you make a decision that reflects your family’s wishes.
1. Cremation is more expensive than burial
Cremation can be a more affordable option.
Placing an urn in an existing family grave can reduce the need for a new plot and a separate headstone. This can bring savings. The total depends on transport, equipment, the ceremony, cremation, placement of the urn and maintenance fees.
A written quote helps you understand the full cost in advance. If the deceased was an Oganj member, talk to us about membership benefits and any additional charges.
2. Cremation means there can be no farewell
A personal, dignified farewell is possible with cremation.
A farewell is possible, with its form, venue and timing arranged separately. Families can ask about a chapel and music, respecting the deceased’s wishes and the facility’s rules.
If you would like a religious ceremony, discuss the options directly with the relevant faith community, in accordance with its rules.
3. Ashes must be scattered
An urn can have a permanent place for family remembrance.
Options may include a grave, columbarium or rosarium, depending on rules and availability. Scattering is a separate option where it is provided for.
Choose the urn’s resting place according to your family’s wishes and cemetery rules. Keeping it outside a cemetery or scattering ashes requires a separate check of what local rules permit.
4. Cremation has no environmental benefits
Using less space can be an important benefit.
An urn in a columbarium or an existing grave can require less additional space. A responsible choice also takes account of energy and emissions from the process, described by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The overall impact depends on the actual conditions, materials and transport.
For a comparison of space, energy, materials and transport, see the environmental aspects of cremation.
5. Families must handle every formality alone
Families can get support with the arrangements.
A first conversation with Oganj can help clarify the next steps, documents and farewell options. Agree what the service can obtain and what the family needs to provide, including the required signatures and consents. This helps you know what to expect and when you need to attend.
Our guide to the cremation process includes a checklist for the first conversation and explains the main stages.
Three things to clarify
- What is included in the total price, including the urn’s resting place?
- Which documents and family attendance are needed?
- Where can the urn be placed, and under which conditions?
For answers about your situation, contact Oganj.