Between growing space limitations, affordability, and environmental concerns, funeral homes in McKean, PA, are helping families explore alternative funeral and burial options.
There are several to consider. From burial to the funeral service, more people are finding different ways to say goodbye and honor their loved ones.
Below are five funeral and burial alternatives to consider.
1. Cremation with a service
A popular alternative to burial is cremation. Instead of burying the body, the body goes to a crematorium where it’s incinerated and turned into cremains.
The service part could be a witness service where loved ones can watch the cremation through a viewing window or stand in the room. It could be a memorial service with close friends and family before or after the cremation. Or both.
You can also have a cremation without the service, known as direct cremation. It is the most affordable alternative to a burial.
2. Natural burial
In a natural burial, there’s no embalming and no need for concrete vaults that line modern graves.
Instead, the body is wrapped in a shroud and placed directly in the ground or a biodegradable casket. This allows the body to decompose naturally.
Natural burial is cost-effective; you don’t need a funeral director if you opt for direct burial.
3. Birthday or Anniversary memorial
Instead of a traditional funeral service with observed rites, you can skip it all and have a birthday memorial. It could also be an anniversary memorial or any other date with meaning.
It can be an elaborate informal or formal memorial or a simple one involving just you and close friends and family. You save cost, and it is more intimate.
If you want something immediately after the burial or cremation, a celebration of life is also an option. It is a nontraditional memorial with a lighter tone.
A celebration of life festively honors the deceased’s life. It could be a themed party with the person’s favorite music, and you can have it anywhere, like their favorite restaurant or theater.
4. Scattering ceremony
After cremation, you can hold a small scattering ceremony in a meaningful location. Somewhere your loved one enjoyed spending time or always wanted to visit.
A scattering ceremony has become a popular alternative to funerals with the growing popularity of cremation. It is intimate, affordable, and easy to organize.
5. Plant a tree
Another way to honor your loved one outside of a traditional funeral? Plant a tree. It’s an alternative worth considering, especially if your loved one enjoyed the outdoors or nature.
If you choose cremation, you can mix their ashes with soil to plant the seed. When the tree grows, it will be a meaningful space for you to feel close to your loved one. You can also have a small ceremony while planting the tree, but that’s up to you.
It doesn’t have to be a tree, either. You can choose a garden, public bench, or anything else that matches their personality and interests.
These are just a few selections. There are plenty more, and we’re sure you’ve got a few ideas too.
Contact us if you need a funeral home in McKean, PA, to help you arrange any of them. Our experts are committed to helping families honor their loved one in the most meaningful way possible. Call us now to get started.
Leave a Reply 0 comments