When you decide on cremation services in Westmont, PA, for a loved one who has passed on, you might have made that decision because cremation is a simple, less costly process. There are lots of valid reasons to go with cremation, but not everyone wants to get a cremation package and that’s it. The cremation package is going to cover everything your loved one needs, but it is very basic and some people want more. There are some things you might want to do, for example, that even require you to get a casket for the process. Here are some of the options to consider.

Pre-Cremation Visitation Services

Direct cremation sends your loved one into the cremation process without any services beforehand. That may not be for you. If you want to say goodbye to your loved one or feel your family needs the closure they might get from seeing your loved one for one last time, a visitation can be a good idea. You may want a visitation service before the cremation takes place so everyone gets that chance. In that case, you will want to have a casket for your loved one to lie in during that service.

A Funeral First

Cremation does not exclude the idea of a funeral, either. You can have a funeral before your loved one is cremated, for example, and then, the cremation can move forward once that service is over. If you want to have what is called ‘full cremation,’ complete with a funeral, you might need a casket for your loved one to use during that process. Since you are not going to use the casket for along period of time, it is often possible to rent one for short-term use and then return it to the funeral home. This will cost less than purchasing a casket you may not need for very long.

The Memorial Display

You may have decided on cremation for your loved one for a variety of reasons, but if not everyone in your family is comfortable with the idea, having a casket at the memorial service, even if it does not contain your loved one and is closed, can help the visuals for their sake. It can help to bring closure and allow people to get what they need to say goodbye. Again, you may be able to rent a casket for this service to give your family what they need in a short-term manner.

For The Cremation

Your loved one would normally go into cremation in a specialized cremation container, but you could also use some certain caskets if that is what you want for them. There are caskets (not metal ones) that can be used instead of the normal container, if you so choose.

It you want to get a package for cremation services in Westmont, PA and nothing more, there’s nothing wrong with that. But there are also options around that service, some of which include a casket, that might sound good to you. Contact the professionals at Simple Alternatives Funeral Home & Crematory for more details.