THE FUNERAL SERVICE AND CREMATION

Just like burial, cremation can occur after a funeral where the casket is present at one's place of worship or a funeral chapel. The only real difference between a funeral followed by burial and one followed by cremation, is that the body is taken to the crematory after the service in lieu of a procession to the cemetery.

As is customary, the funeral may be preceded by a period of visitation or a reception at the funeral home/mortuary. During this time and before the service, the casket may be open or closed, according to the preferences of the survivors. Instead of a public visitation, some families opt to receive friends at their residence or other location, which is another matter of personal choice.

Following the funeral, the body is cremated in the casket or placed in a special cremation container if a rental casket was selected. After cremation, a public or private service may be arranged for the final placement of the cremated remains.