Opting for a cremation before holding a memorial service can be a cost-effective choice.
This approach eliminates expenses for items like a more expensive casket suitable for carrying, embalming, and extended hearse hire.
Casket – Typically, a simple plywood box is used for the cremation, which is more affordable than traditional caskets, its lack of elegance is less of an issue when not on public display.
Embalming – Though not required, can be beneficial for those who find comfort in viewing the deceased, as it preserves and presents the body in a more natural state. This can still be achieved with this type of ‘farewell’ allowing that sense of ‘closure’ before the private cremation.
Hearse – The reduced need for a hearse is due to shorter transportation time and waiting time during a service. The simple trip to the crematorium lowers cost, at our funeral home we typically charge at a discounted rate for briefer usage.
Despite these savings, other funeral elements, such as flowers, a photo display, service brochures, celebrant fees, and catering, remain unchanged, and take place as part of the – ‘Memorial Service’ after the cremation.
Still having a ‘Farewell’ even if after the cremation, is vital for the mental health of those left grieving.
This “back-to-front” approach, where the cremation precedes the public memorial service, contrasts with the traditional sequence of a public funeral followed by a private cremation or burial. Despite the unconventional order, many find this method to be a practical and respectful alternative. – A recent example involved a well-known individual whose family chose a private farewell at the crematorium and a community reception at a golf club. This setup allowed for both privacy
and public grieving.
Though the Memorial Service following can be arranged by family without our involvement, we do often get asked to help.
Because we are the experts, and have all the resources at hand to help, we can often source items cheaper than families handling them themselves. Added to this taking away the stress of organising the memorial is our speciality.
