Those responsible for handling the arrangement of a deceased family member or friend will have numerous funeral options to choose from. Making these arrangements while mourning a death can be hard. The final choices may be based on religion, culture, desires outlined by deceased, budget or other similar factors.
Another option available is donation. This involves donating the whole, or parts, of the body to medical science. The entity on the receiving end is usually a medical school or teaching hospital. Sometimes these facilities will cover all costs and then send the remaining ashes back to the family. People who do this do so with the intent to help advance science and medical research.
Cremation and direct cremation might also be done. Direct involves the deceased being taken from his or her place of death directly to the crematory. The memorial services, if any, are done later. Regular cremation is done after viewing ceremonies and a formal funeral. The cost of this service will vary and there are many options available in terms of what to do with the remaining ashes.
Direct burial is a choice that many cultures tend to favor. With this, the body is moved from the place of death to a cemetery where it is buried in a simple container. A memorial service, if desired, is held at a later time. Outside of cremation and donation, this is one of the most inexpensive options available through most funeral homes.
There are several things to consider during the planning process. Always follow the instructions or requests left by the deceased, if any. This is why it is encouraged that individuals plan as much as possible while still alive, so the stress and responsibility is not entirely on friends and family.
Try to keep focus on a budget with planning. Funeral options can quickly become costly. Handling body, transporting body, casket purchases, cremation services, all of these things cost money. Still, it does not have to be overly expensive to make these arrangements. Do research to get informed.