Pre-planning for a funeral is a common method to ensure you do not leave loved ones with unexpected funeral expenses. The pre-planning process can include not only traditional burial options, but also cremation services. Here are four aspects of pre-planning your funeral and cremation you may not know, but should know.

1. Service Types

That only one type of cremation service exists is a misconception. Actually, several cremation options are available to you.

The first service you will need to choose is the funeral service itself. People traditionally choose to have a memorial service, funeral service and graveside service.

You may want to move away from tradition and go with just a memorial service. A memorial service is held after the cremation and without a graveside burial. If you will have your cremains spread at another location, the memorial service will be the ideal option.

If you plan to have your cremains buried, graveside services are an extra option. Keep in mind that graveside services will include a casket rental fee.

2. Urn and Memorial Options

That cremation only includes one type of urn or memorial option is a misconception. Not only are there multiple urn styles to choose from, other memorial options exist as well. You can have memorial stones, jewelry or plaques.

Cremation memorial options now include biodegradable urns, jewelry, timepieces and plaques. Many people choose their urn style based on how many family members will receive the cremains. You may also choose based on green living options. Biodegradable urns or having your ashes blended in shells and coral are popular options.

3. Cremation Types

The funeral service itself differs from the cremation type that you choose. The difference between the two is often a point of confusion during the pre-planning process.

There are three types of cremation available. These types of cremations are an immediate cremation, attended cremation and unattended cremation.

The immediate cremation is the least costly option: a cremation only and with no service.

An unattended cremation means the cremation itself will not be part of the service. You can have a memorial service following the unattended cremation.

The attended cremation allows family members to be present during the cremation. The cremation may be before the memorial service or part of the service.

4. Burial and Other Insurance

If you pre-plan your funeral and cremation, payment plans are usually available. If you don’t want a payment plan, you have another option: burial insurance. You may also choose to use a smaller insurance policy to pay for the funeral expenses as well. If you choose this option, here are a few things you need to know.

Paying with insurance requires that you sign a beneficiary form with your insurance company. This beneficiary form makes the funeral home the beneficiary of all or a part of your insurance. The insurance sends the payment to the funeral home upon your death.

5. Casket Choices

You may think that casket choices won’t be part of your cremation pre-planning. However, if you plan to have a burial or graveside service, a casket may be a choice. For example, if you plan on a graveside service at a traditional cemetery, you can have a casket present.

You can have the casket present during the memorial service, carried out, placed in the hearse and present at graveside. The casket will be a rental and will not be buried in the plot. Depending on the funeral home and packages available, you may be able to opt out of having a casket rental.

When you are ready to discuss your cremation arrangements, call Cremations Only on 1300 311 747. Our funeral directors can discuss your pre-planning needs, service requests, questions you have and the type of funeral you’d like. We can also help with questions your loved ones may have as well.