Generally, a traditional service with cremation format consists of a visitation and then a funeral service with the body of the deceased present. Then after the funeral service the body is cremated. You can also request to have the body cremated first, and then the ashes can be placed in a container or urn for the visitation and funeral service.
The purpose of this package is to have the main ceremonial elements of a traditional funeral but to replace burial with cremation.
The visitation could take place in the afternoon and the evening, often between 2-5 pm & 7-9 pm. These times accommodate a variety of schedules and allow the mourning family a break for dinner. These times are not set in stone and can be adjusted based on the needs of the family. If the deceased had a large circle of family and friends there may be a need for 2 days dedicated to visitation to accommodate those wishing to attend. Conversely, if the group of family and friends is small, perhaps only a few hours for the visitation is needed. The goal in deciding on visitation time is to accommodate the people who wish to attend but not exhaust the immediate family members who will be present for the entire visiting period.
The visitation usually takes place at the funeral home, simply because funeral homes are set up to hold such an event. However, accomodations can be made to use alternative venues.
The funeral service or mass is usually held at a church, but we can also hold the service at the funeral home as well.
Why people choose cremation
In the United States, in 1972, only five percent chose cremation. That number had quintupled by 1999, with over 25% choosing cremation.
The Cremation Association of North America predicts that by 2010, that figure will rise to 36%.
In Canada, the rate is already over 42%; in Great Britain, 71%; and over 98% in Japan.
Those who choose cremation (for themselves or others) often hold the belief that it is better to honor the memory of the person, not the dead body.
Cremation is traditional in your family, religious group, or geographical area
You prefer the body to be returned quickly and cleanly to the elements
Many people believe that a cremated body becomes one with nature more quickly.
You have environmental concerns
Perhaps you are worried about the use of valuable land for cemetery space, or believe it is wrong to fill the ground with materials that won't erode ... metal coffins and concrete vaults.
You want to keep the costs down
Selecting cremation does not mean, however, that you will have an inexpensive funeral.
You might still choose an expensive casket and/or a viewing, and/or decide to have the cremated remains buried in the ground or placed in a columbarium. These choices can bring your costs up to those of a traditional funeral.
Services Include
Local transfer of the deceased from place of death to funeral home ............................................................................................
$625
Embalming preparation (not required by law) ...................................................................................................................................
$1,500
Dressing the deceased and placing the remains in to the casket ...................................................................................................
$200
Basic arrangement charge (professional service charge) .................................................................................................................
$875
Supervision for 1 day visitation (staff) .................................................................................................................................................
$525
Supervision of funeral service (directing of the funeral) ..................................................................................................................
$625
Use of facilities for 1 day visitation ......................................................................................................................................................
$1,600
Hearse transportation to local cemetery ............................................................................................................................................
$650
Memorial package including prayer cards, acknowledgement cards, register book ....................................................................
$350
Book of Memories web page and memorial DVD tribute video at no additional fee ...................................................................
$0
Additional Fees
Casket (cost will vary upon the selection) ...........................................................................................................................................
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Hairdressing/Cosmetology (for women only) ....................................................................................................................................
$175
A second day of visitation - use of facilities and staff .......................................................................................................................
$1,425
A limousine- transportation to local cemetery (optional fee) ..........................................................................................................
A burial vault (cost will vary upon selection) (optional fee unless required by cemetery) ...........................................................
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A death notice (cost will vary upon newspaper selected) .................................................................................................................
Death Certificates per certified copy NYC ..........................................................................................................................................
$15
Death Certificates per certified copy NY State ...................................................................................................................................