With cremation services in Simi Valley, CA. growing in popularity in recent years over ground burials, and becoming more widely accepted, you may be considering it for you or a loved one. While it is becoming more popular, many people still have several questions when it comes to this form of disposition. If you would like to know more about cremation and if it’s right for you, keep reading as we answer some of the most commonly asked questions. 

What is Cremation? 

Cremation is a form of body disposition that acts as an alternative to a ground burial in a casket. With cremation, the body is placed in a cremation container which is then placed inside the cremation chamber. The body is then incinerated and reduced to ashes and minerals which are referred to as "cremains”. These cremains are then given to the family in a temporary urn or a more permanent urn the family has purchased. 

Can You Have a Funeral with Cremation? 

Many people are under the impression that if you choose cremation, you cannot have certain other services such as a funeral. However, this is not the case. Even with cremation, families can hold services such as funerals, and even visitations and viewings. 

These services are held just like that with ground burials with some minor differences. For example, at the end of the funeral service, the body will be taken to the crematory rather than the cemetery to be buried. 

There is an exception to this rule, however, and that is with direct cremation. This cremation does not allow time to hold any services before the body is cremated. Families who choose this option are still able to hold any type of service they wish afterwards. 

What are the Options for the Remains? 

Although keeping a loved one’s remains in an urn in a home is a popular choice with families, it is not the only option. Today, families have a plethora of choices when it comes to how they want to handle the remains. 

One option that many people choose is to release the ashes back into nature. This can be done in a park, on family land, on the ocean or any other meaningful space. Other families may choose to keep the urn in a columbarium niche. These columbarium niches can be found in cemeteries and other memorial spaces. 

A choice that is growing in popularity is to have the remains kept in a cremation garden. These gardens typically contain columbariums and well as scattering gardens. They tend to be decorated with lush landscaping and offer benches and other areas families can sit and reflect. 

What if I Want to Be Buried? 

Being able to have their remains scattered back into nature is a reason many people choose cremation. However, sometimes someone may want to be cremated but also, for religious or other reasons, wish to also have a ground burial. Fortunately, this can be done. Whether you choose a plot in a cremation garden or more traditional cemetery, cremains can be buried just as a casket is. Families can even opt to design and install a headstone. 

If you would like more information on cremation services in Simi Valley, CA. to see if it’s right for you or your family, contact us anytime and let us answer any questions or concerns you may have with your immediate need. See our testimonials.