Nationally, about 60% of people choose cremation over burial, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. The numbers in Arizona are slightly higher, and the state is in the top 10 nationwide.
With cremation, families typically forgo a formal viewing ceremony and wake but still hold some sort of memorial service. In this article, we will discuss cremation funeral services ideas and answer some of the most common questions about services after cremation.
How Soon After Cremation Should You Host a Cremation Funeral Service?
There is no strict timeline for hosting a cremation funeral service in Arizona. Generally, families choose to hold a service anywhere from a few days to several weeks after the cremation. This flexibility allows time for out-of-town relatives to arrange travel and for the family to plan a meaningful service. Some factors to consider include:
- Family preferences and emotional readiness
- Availability of preferred venue
- Time needed to gather photos and memorabilia
Can You Have a Funeral Service Before Cremation Takes Place?
Yes, you can have a funeral service before cremation. This is often called a “traditional funeral with cremation to follow.”
In this case, cremation funeral service ideas might include embalming and viewing or visitation with the body present, followed by a funeral service. The cremation then takes place after these events. This option combines elements of traditional burial services with the benefits of cremation.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Cremation in Arizona?
In Arizona, cremation requires:
- A death certificate signed by a medical professional
- A cremation authorization form signed by the next of kin
- A permit for cremation issued by the state
There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur, although it generally takes a few days to get everything coordinated. You will want to work with a licensed funeral director or crematorium to ensure all of the legal requirements are met.
What Are Some Cremation Funeral Service Ideas?
Traditional ideas include:
- A funeral service with or without remains present
- A celebration of life to share favorite memories
- Scattering of remains ceremony at a meaningful location
- Formal memorial service at a religious institution
In Arizona, many families choose to honor their loved one in a variety of nontraditional ways, such as gathering at a public place like Red Rocks near Sedona or Saguaro National Park or holding a sunrise service at the Grand Canyon. Each option has personalization potential to reflect the deceased’s life and the family’s wishes.
How Can I Add More Meaning to the Passing of a Loved One?
Dealing with the passing of a loved one is an emotional process. For many, it is a reflective time when they think about both the past and the future. Many families take solace by working with whole body donation programs in Arizona.
A whole body donation makes an important contribution to the advancement of medical science and research. Bodies are needed to train doctors, conduct research into diseases, and test new medical treatments and devices.
United Tissue Network (UTN) coordinates whole body donation programs in Arizona and pays for the transportation, placement, and cremation. A non-profit organization, UTN is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks as upholding the highest standards of care and respect.
You can still have a memorial service with a whole body donation. After research is complete, cremation takes place and the remains will be returned to the family upon request. Many families choose to hold a memorial service or celebration of life shortly after death and hold a more private ceremony to scatter the remains at a later date.
What Are the Costs for Cremation and Memorial Services?
The total costs depend on the services you choose. For example, direct cremation is the least expensive option and can range from $900 to about $1,500 in Arizona. However, this does not include the cost of a cremation funeral service.
Cremation with a memorial service generally runs between $2,500 and $6,000 while a cremation along with a traditional funeral costing between $5,000 and $10,000.
You can save money by holding your own memorial ceremony or celebration of life. UTN pays the cost of whole body donation in Arizona, including the cost of cremation.
Get more information about whole body donation programs in Arizona by contacting United Tissue Network (UTN) at 877-738-6111.
