Death of a loved one is something we're seldom prepared for emotionally or financially. With the rising costs of funerals, many are choosing cremation as an alternative to traditional funeral and burial services. Reasons for choosing cremation may be financial, ecological, religious, cultural or for personal reasons. Whatever the reasons, more and more individuals are choosing cremation. Although this may not be the case in Virginia, cremation services are chosen for 80% of the funerals in some countries. However, more than 32% of Virginians are choosing cremation services in Virginia, with the number increasing every year.

Reasons for Choosing Cremation

When asked why an individual is choosing cremation over burial, the most common answer is cost. As with most states, Virginia cremation costs are substantially lower than traditional burials. However, there are several reasons individuals are choosing cremation services in Virginia.

• Cost - Although many don't like to mention cost as their main reason, it's usually a big factor. Cremation costs in Virginia are much lower than funerals because it doesn't require embalming, nor does it require an urn, a casket or a cemetery plot. Virginia cremation services offer surviving relatives a more affordable way to say goodbye to a loved one.
• Flexibility - While losing a loved one is not by choice, how we say our final goodbyes can our choice. There may be a certain amount of versatility in traditional funeral services; they typically include a visitation, burial, caskets, burial plots and memorial services, usually taking place within a few days of death. With cremation, you can have a memorial within a couple days of death, or plan one for a later time. You can also choose the time and place. This may be beneficial because it gives distant relatives sufficient time to attend the memorial.
• Earth-friendly - Cremations are more eco-friendly because you're not dealing with the harmful chemicals used for embalming. With scattering of the ashes, there is also not the waste of a casket, vault or space in the ground.
• Quicker - It's never easy to say goodbye to loved ones, but traditional funerals often seem to continue for days, causing family members prolonged grief as they have to view the body for several days. Cremation can take place much quicker. Family members may have access to the remains within hours of cremation.
• Religious or cultural beliefs - Some individuals may prefer cremation for various reasons, such as religion, culture or personal preference. Some also believe that the process of cremation is symbolic to the biblical "ashes to ashes, dust to dust".

Laws Regarding Virginia Cremation Services

As is the case in all states, Virginia cremation costs (or traditional funeral costs) must be disclosed to you, according to regulations set by the Federal Trade Commission. In keeping in accordance with these laws, we will provide you with an itemized list of everything involved in cremation costs in Virginia. Additionally, we will provide you with information on any state or local government laws you may need to know regarding cremation services in Virginia.

Before a body can be cremated, permission from the medical examiner must be given, and a visual identification must be made either by a family member or someone mentioned in an advanced directive. If you are making the decision to use cremation, you must provide proof that you are party designated to make the decision.

You are not required to purchase a casket but may use a sturdy box made of heavy cardboard or particle board. The choice of where to dispose of the ashes is also yours to make, whether it be on private land, public land or at sea. If you choose disposal at sea, you must first obtain a permit for burial at sea. Funeral directors participating in cremation services in Virginia are required to keep a record of the method of disposition and the final resting place. A cremation certificate must also be issued.

Options With Cremation

As stated above, cremation costs in Virginia are one of the main reasons why so many people are choosing Virginia cremations. Costs may be less for cremation but that doesn't mean you'll have to sacrifice a quality service. Virginia cremation services will work with you to help you plan the type of service you and your loved one would want and one that is more affordable, too.

Whether it's something simple in your home or a religious ceremony at your local church, we can help you plan exactly the type of service you want. The service can be religious, non-religious, outdoors or indoors; you can also choose to have music to celebrate the life of your loved one. We understand this is a difficult time for you and want to do everything possible to "lighten the load" in any way we can. If you have any concerns or questions, you can contact us 24/7. You can choose to have us help you plan the entire thing and just include it in the Virginia cremation costs.