Many families struggle when it comes to making plans after the loss of a loved one. And you may be wondering what kind of effect cremation will have on those plans. The good news is that cremation doesn’t have to change much in terms of those plans. If you wish to arrange a funeral, that remains entirely possible. But there are other options, too. If you or someone you know is looking into cremation services in or near Greenwood, IN, you should know that there are a number of solutions for families interested in doing things a little differently. There are also professionals in your area who are prepared to discuss those solutions and work with you throughout the planning process. 

Again, there is nothing wrong with making traditional funeral arrangements. Funerals are an ideal opportunity for friends and family to continue the healing process while collectively paying their respects and saying goodbye. Funerals generally occur within days of cremation, and that means you will likely want to work with a funeral home in order to make sure everything is taken care of in a timely fashion. 

That said, funerals aren’t for everyone. You may have difficulty making arrangements for guests coming from out of town, especially on short notice. Or perhaps you’re interested in a less expensive solution. Some families want to avoid funerals because they prefer something a bit less formal. These are all good reasons to choose a funeral alternative, and that’s perfectly understandable. 

The most common alternative to funerals is a memorial service. Memorial services can be held weeks after a cremation, and they’re often more casual than a traditional funeral. They can also be less expensive given that they generally don’t require the body of the deceased to be embalmed or transported. You can always have cremated remains present at a memorial service, and that means that guests can still pay their respects more directly—just as they would at something like a viewing or wake. Memorial services are sometimes more celebratory in terms of their tone, as well, focusing on your loved one’s life and achievements or contributions. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional funerals, memorial services often make a lot of sense. 

But you can also scale things down a bit, opting for something like a very small ceremony for just a few friends and family. Many families choose to do with this when scattering the cremated remains. Holding a small ceremony at the location of the scattering can be very meaningful and poignant for those in attendance, a perfect opportunity to remember someone in a place that was personally significant. Some families also use cremated remains to plant a tree or fashion a piece of jewelry. You can certainly hold a ceremony or gathering in conjunction with these options, as well. 

If you are interested in cremation services in the Greenwood, IN, area, consider reaching out to O’Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. We are always prepared to help you when it comes to a range of plans and services, and we look forward to working with your family. You can visit us at 6107 S East St, Indianapolis, IN 46227 or place a phone call to (317) 787-8224.