While the death of a loved one is a sad time for all, it is also a time to celebrate the life of a person. Traditional funeral services in the state and California cremation services often involve a range of options that make then very unique as a way to remember and celebrate the life of a much loved individual.
Choosing the correct cremation services in California starts with thinking about what the deceased loved and enjoyed most in life. Did he or she love traveling to the mountains, spending time on the water or did they enjoy a particular area of the state? Perhaps they loved their garden, their home or being and with their family.
These simple enjoyments of the deceased can be included in your California cremation services and funeral arrangements. Your funeral director is there to act as a guide to walk you through the decisions that have to be made to be sure the celebration of the loved one's life is just as they would have requested. You will find that professionals offering cremation services in California will want you to provide them with ideas of what you want to do with the ashes after the cremation is complete.
Understanding Cremation Costs in California
Cremation costs will be provided by the funeral home or funeral service provider. All California cremation costs will be given to you in writing and most are also available on the funeral home website. Since many people make arrangements for cremation services by phone, especially if they live out of state, information on the costs will be faxed or emailed to you upon request.
It is important to understand that cremation costs in California are only for the actual cremation services. Other issues, including transporting of the body, preparation of the body, visitation arrangements, funeral services and other possible requirements are priced separately. Since all cremation costs in California are itemized you have the option to choose which services you want to stay within your budget.
California cremation services may be partially covered by a variety of different programs and insurance coverage. It is important to talk to the funeral director about any cremation services in California you are considering to see if there may be other full or partial payment options available. Your funeral home director will be able to fill out any paperwork required to help offset California cremation costs.
Traditional Options After California Cremation Services
The cremation services can occur at any time after allowable by law. This may be an important consideration if you have to call the family together and they have to travel a distance. The cremation can occur and the ashes stored in beautiful urn to have at the actual funeral home service.
You may also choose to forego a formal funeral service and have a "Celebration of Life" gathering at a home or special place such as a park, beach or favorite spot. Many families enjoy this option as they speak about, laugh together, and think back on great memories of the loved one. While these types of memorial services were relatively uncommon a few decades ago, they are now very popular with people of all ages.
Scattering Ashes Over Water
With the beautiful coastlines and the amazing lakes of the state, California cremation services often find that loved ones want to scatter the ashes over water. This is a wonderful option and one that is legal on any waterway within the state. If you have any questions or concerns please ask us, we are able to give you specific information on your legal rights to scatter your loved ones ashes.
Scattering Ashes by Air
Separate from what is offered by California cremation services, you may wish to consider scattering by air or scattering by plane or by hot air balloon. Your funeral home director will be able to refer you to a pilot or company that can provide this service.
Typically this is done without family members present, or it can be done at a specific date and time with family members gathered at a specific location to watch the plane or balloon fly over a particular landmark or the water and scatter the ashes. Some companies allow family members to come on the plane or balloon for an additional fee.
Ashes Scattered at Home
Scattering the loved ones ashes at home is a common request heard by California cremation services. This can be done at any time and is completely legal within the state. If you wish to use this option discuss the option for a temporary urn with your funeral director at the time you are planning to use cremation services.
The end of a life is sad, but it can also be thought of as just one part of the cycle of life. Cremation services in California give you a range of options in final disposition of the ashes of your loved one in ways that are meaningful for the entire family.