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Planning a Cremation Memorial Service in NJ

 

People attend a funeral with an urn in the foreground surrounded by a rose wreathCremation vs. Traditional Burial

When choosing between a traditional burial and cremation, the differences come from the cost, process, personal preferences, environmental impact, etc. Memorial Properties offers several options for loved ones to honor their deceased.

The following is a breakdown including the differences and benefits of each:

Cost

  • Cremation: Generally less expensive than burials, avoiding the costs of burial plots, caskets, and headstones. Foregoing these aforementioned costs can be more affordable for families. 
  • Traditional Burial: More expensive than cremations due to costs from embalming, funeral services, caskets, burial costs, and headstones

Process

  • Cremation: The body is reduced to its most basic elements. Typically the remains are placed in an urn or scattered depending on the family’s wishes.
  • Traditional Burial: The body is preserved and placed in a coffin through embalming. Which is from there buried in-ground at a burial site, or above-ground in a mausoleum. 

Personal Factors

  • Cremation: Some religious obligations prefer cremation. Families can also prefer to keep their loved one’s remains in a place they deem appropriate
  • Traditional Burial: More common in religious traditions. Burials are also generally a more conventional way to memorialize the deceased. Memorial Properties offers a multitude of options for various religions and preferences. 

Environmental Impact 

  • Cremation: This is perceived as a more eco-friendly option, as the use of land for burials is avoided. However, the carbon emissions produced by cremation can be deemed harmful.
  • Traditional Burial: Burials need land to complete proceedings. However, there are green burial options available to minimize the potential environmental impact.

Time Consideration

  • Cremation: Offers more flexibility when considering memorial services. No time constraints are in place.
  • Traditional Burial: Embalmed bodies need to be set in the ground within a specific timeframe

The differences between cremation and traditional burials are clear, but in general, the way loved ones go about memorialization is completely up to their personal preference. 

Elements of a Cremation Burial

Many elements of a cremation burial are also present in a traditional burial. 

Timing:Cremation memorial services can be completed before or after the cremation process. There isn’t a “right” time for service, only what your family considers appropriate. A “Viewing” can be a part of service and is similar to a traditional burial. It is done before the cremation process and may require embalming and a casket. A viewing offers a final goodbye to friends and family. If service is held after cremation, families can choose to decorate and surround the urn with cherished photographs, keepsakes, and others significant to the life of their loved ones.

Location:A cremation funeral gives the loved ones many liberties concerning location. A memorial service can be done at funeral homes, similar to traditional burials. However, with cremation remains being placed in an urn, the funeral can be held at any location deemed significant to the loved ones. A church, the family’s home, and even a beloved bar can all be places one could choose to host the service. (permissions can be discussed with Memorial Services coordinator)

Proceedings:A cremation funeral similar to a traditional burial, can involve readings of eulogies, testimonials, and religious passages. Details are up to the family’s preferences. Reception, group song, a parade, all are made easier done with a cremation funeral. Event personalization can be extravagant or low-key, whatever is considered the proper way to memorialize.

Memorialization Options for Cremation in NJ

Memorial Properties offers resting places for cremated remains within beautifully crafted mausoleums. A permanent memorialization provides a lasting tribute that preserves a family’s heritage. The options include:

Private Niche:Niches enclosed in granite or marble made for personal memorization for one or two. Names and dates of loved ones are included. Features a glass front display for decorative urns

Urn Garden:Similar to a traditional burial, the urn is placed within the ground at a gravesite.  featuring the name and date of the loved one on a monument.

Private Family Cremation Space:Personalized memorialization for multiple inurnments within a family. The family name is featured in marble or granite with specific dates placed inside the family space. A wonderful tribute made for the whole family. 

Community Bible Niche:the cremation urn is displayed within a luxurious chapel mausoleum encased in marble. The name and relevant dates of the individual are recorded in the center while being part of the community area within the mausoleum.

Cremation Pre-Planning in NJ with Memorial Properties

More pre-planning info can be found here:https://www.memorialproperties.com/funeral-pricing/pre-planning/ 

“Take Control of Your Future With Memorial Properties!”

Talking about death is never an easy conversation, but pre-planning your arrangements with Memorial Properties will make a difficult and stressful time a bit easier for your loved ones. At our serene cemeteries and mausoleums in NJ, Memorial Properties has many options for burial. Our family will work together with you to ensure that your family’s wishes are granted and their memory is honored for years to come. Call or visit our website for a brief consultation!