A loved one’s passing is an emotional time. Besides mourning, you have to make practical decisions about what happens next. There are also emotional and philosophical questions that often go unasked, which can make the process extremely challenging.

From choosing the arrangements you want, to pondering the meaning of life, we’ll explore the tough questions you should ask and provide guidance to help you manage end of life.

Cremation Services Tampa

Understanding the different types of available  cremation services in Tampa is the first step toward making your decision. There are options, and the Tampa cremation services you choose will be impacted by your personal preferences and financial considerations.

1. Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable option, with no viewing, visitation, or formal service before the cremation. The body is cremated shortly after death, and the remains are returned to the family in an urn or another chosen container.

This option is ideal for families who prefer a minimalistic approach or want to plan a memorial service at a later date without the pressure of organizing one immediately after their loss.

2. Traditional Cremation with Memorial Service

For those who want to combine the simplicity of cremation with the dignity of a memorial service, traditional cremation with a memorial provides a balance. The body is cremated after death, but a memorial service, often with the urn present, allows friends and family to gather, reflect, and pay their respects.

This option is more expensive than direct cremation but still offers flexibility and cost savings compared to a full burial service.

3. Cremation with Viewing or Funeral

Cremation with a viewing is similar to a traditional funeral, where the body is embalmed and prepared for a public or private viewing before the cremation takes place. This option provides families the opportunity to have a final farewell in a more traditional setting.

After the viewing, the body is cremated, and the remains are returned to the family. This can be a middle ground for families torn between cremation and traditional burial.

4. Eco-Friendly Cremation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)

A growing trend in Tampa and across the country is eco-friendly cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or “water cremation.” This method uses water and alkaline solutions to break down the body more naturally than traditional flame-based cremation. It has a lower environmental impact, producing fewer emissions.

While still not as widely available, this option appeals to environmentally conscious families looking for a sustainable alternative.

Cremation Services in Tampa: Cost Considerations

Cremation costs in Tampa vary depending on the type of service you choose, additional services like memorials, and any special arrangements for the remains. It’s crucial to understand these costs upfront to avoid surprises during an already emotional time.

Price Ranges for Cremation Services in Tampa
Direct Cremation	$800-$2,000
Traditional Cremation with Memorial	$2,500-$5,000
Cremation with Viewing or Funeral	$4,000-$7,000
Eco-Friendly Cremation	$2,500-$5,000

There can be a wide range in prices, depending on the options you select and association costs. Most Tampa cremation services  offer package pricing that includes items that impact fees, including:

• Death certificates: Certified copies in Tampa are $10 with additional copies for $5 each.
• Transportation fees: If the body needs to be transported over long distances, expect to pay more.
• Urns and Containers: Basic urns are often included, but many families opt to purchase a more personalized or decorative urn, ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars.
• Scattering Services: If you wish to scatter the ashes at sea or in a special location, there may be additional costs, especially if a third-party service is involved.

It’s important to note that you do not have to select a package from a Tampa cremation services provider. By law, providers are required to provide you with an itemized price list (called the General Price List) and you can choose only the services you want.

The Tough Questions You Should Ask Cremation Service Providers

When selecting cremation services in Tampa, asking the right questions ensures transparency and peace of mind. Here are some key questions every family should ask:

Is your facility licensed and accredited?

Ensure the provider is licensed by the state of Florida and accredited by professional associations such as the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). This assures families that the provider meets industry standards for the care and handling of remains.

Can we personalize the service or urn?

Many families wish to personalize the urn or the memorial service. Find out what customization options are available, from inscriptions on urns to creating a unique memorial service.

What options are there for memorial services or viewings?

If your family desires a memorial service or viewing before cremation, ask the provider about their offerings, including venues, service formats, and any associated costs.

How are the remains handled after cremation?

Knowing how the cremation facility handles the remains post-cremation can ease concerns. Reputable providers will have clear, transparent processes for packaging and returning remains.

How can I be sure the remains returned to me are my loved one’s?

Providers should have a thorough system to identify and track remains throughout the process. This is a crucial question for ensuring peace of mind. Reputable facilities use identification tags, bar codes, and verification processes throughout the cremation process.

What’s included in your cremation packages?

Cremation packages can vary, so be clear on what’s included. Does it cover transportation, permits, and urns, or are those extra? Asking upfront will prevent unexpected costs.

Do you offer any payment plans?

 Cremation can be expensive, and some families may struggle with the cost. Ask if the provider offers payment plans or financing options.

Are there any programs to assist low-income families?

Some funeral homes and non-profit organizations offer financial assistance to low-income families. It’s worth asking if such programs are available.

How long does it take to make funeral arrangements?

In general, making funeral arrangements for cremation can take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the complexity of the services and the family’s needs.

Direct cremation is typically the fastest option, as there’s no need for a formal viewing, embalming, or extensive ceremony. In many cases, direct cremation can be arranged within 24 to 72 hours after the passing. For cremation that includes a viewing or funeral service, the process can take several days to a week. Families may need time to arrange for a venue, notify relatives, and plan the details of the service. Depending on the family’s wishes, it may also take longer if embalming is required for a viewing or if additional steps are necessary to prepare the body.

Certain legal processes, such as obtaining a death certificate or cremation permit, may affect the timeline. Florida law, for example, requires a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur, which can extend the overall timeframe. Additionally, if a medical examiner is involved or there are other legal considerations, the arrangements may take longer.

Families may also choose to delay cremation services to accommodate relatives traveling from out of town or to allow for additional time for planning. This flexibility ensures that the service can be as meaningful as possible, even if it takes longer to arrange.

Emotional and Philosophical Questions Surrounding Cremation

Cremation is more than just a practical decision. It brings up deep emotional and philosophical questions. Addressing these can help families find closure and peace.

Afterlife: What Happens to Us After Death?

The question of what happens after we die is one of the oldest and most profound. Different religions and cultures offer various perspectives regarding cremation.

• Catholicism: Historically, the Catholic Church preferred burial, as it was seen as more consistent with the belief in the bodily resurrection. However, since 1963, the Church has allowed cremation as long as it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Christian teachings. Today, cremation is widely accepted, but the ashes must be treated with respect, kept in a sacred place like a cemetery, and not scattered or kept at home.
• Protestantism: Most Protestant denominations, including Baptists, Methodists, and Lutherans, do not oppose cremation. Many Protestants believe that cremation does not affect the soul’s journey or resurrection, focusing instead on the individual’s faith and relationship with God.
• Evangelical Christianity: Evangelicals generally accept cremation, as their focus tends to be on salvation through faith in Jesus Christ rather than the specific means of body disposition. However, views can vary by congregation or region, with some preferring burial.
• Eastern Orthodox Christianity: The Orthodox Church traditionally opposes cremation, believing in the sanctity of the body and its eventual resurrection. Burial is seen as the proper method of laying the body to rest, following Christ’s example.
• Buddhism and Hinduism: Cremation is often seen as a way to free the soul from the body, helping it transition to the next life.
• Islam: Islam strictly prohibits cremation. Muslims believe that the body should be treated with the utmost respect after death, as the physical body will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment.
• Orthodox Judaism: Orthodox Jews believe in the physical resurrection of the body, which is why cremation is strongly discouraged. Burial is seen as a fulfillment of the biblical commandment to return to the earth.
• Reform Judaism: Reform Jews believe that cremation does not hinder the soul’s journey to the afterlife, as the focus is more on the spiritual than the physical body.

For those without strong religious beliefs, cremation may be seen as a respectful way to return the body to nature.

Understanding how your family’s spiritual or philosophical beliefs align with cremation is key to making peace with the decision. Families may also prefer scattering ashes in meaningful locations as a way to honor their loved one’s life and legacy.

Is It Wrong or a Sin to Have a Loved One Cremated?

This is a common concern, especially for families with strong religious beliefs. While some Christian denominations historically discouraged cremation, many now accept it as a valid option. It’s important to consult with spiritual advisors if you’re unsure.

How Does a Terminally Ill Person Know the End Is Near?

As death approaches, terminally ill individuals may exhibit signs like changes in breathing, withdrawal from social interactions, or increased sleep. These signs can help families recognize when the end is near, allowing them to prepare emotionally and make final arrangements.

How Does It Feel to Know Death Is Approaching?

Facing death brings a range of emotions, from fear to acceptance. Many terminally ill people find peace in their final days through conversations with loved ones, spiritual guidance, or simply coming to terms with the inevitable.

Does It Matter Where One Goes After Death?

For some families, the final resting place of a loved one’s remains—whether in an urn at home, scattered in a meaningful location, or buried—holds deep significance. Others may feel that the location of the remains is less important than the memories shared with the loved one.

Donating Your Body to Medical Science

Another alternative is donating your body to medical science. This noble act helps advance medical science in a variety of ways and leaves a lasting legacy for you or your loved one.

• Education: Aspiring doctors learn about human anatomy, surgical techniques, and medical procedures.
• Surgical Training: Surgeons and specialists also benefit from donated bodies, as they can practice new techniques, procedures, and technologies in a real-world setting.
• Medical Research: Bodies donated to science can be used to conduct important research on various diseases, conditions, and the effects of treatments.
• Innovative Technologies: Research institutions and medical device companies use donated bodies to test and improve medical devices such as pacemakers, prosthetics, and surgical tools.

Questions You Should Ask Body Donation Programs

If you are considering whole body donation, there are some questions you should ask to ensure you are comfortable with the process.

Are You a Nonprofit or For-Profit Organization?

Look for a nonprofit that supports medical science and covers the costs, including cremation. Avoid agencies that may profit from selling cadavers.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Body Donation?

Eligibility criteria can vary but generally depend on factors such as age, medical history, and cause of death. Typically, a body is accepted if it does not have a communicable disease.

What Is the Donation Process Like After Death?

After death, the donation provider typically handles arrangements, including placement with a reputable research or education facility and cremation after research is complete.

What Costs Are Covered by the Donation Program?

Most donation programs cover the costs of transportation, cremation, and returning the remains to the family, but be sure to verify all details.

Can My Family Hold a Memorial Service?

Yes, families can often hold a memorial service without the body present or after receiving the ashes, depending on their preference.

How Long Will the Body Be Used?

The body may be used for several weeks to years depending on the needs of the medical or research institution.

What Happens to the Remains After the Donation?

After use, the body is typically cremated, and the remains may be returned to the family or disposed of according to the donor’s wishes.

Are There Any Ethical or Legal Concerns I Should Be Aware Of?

It’s essential to ensure the program complies with legal regulations and ethical guidelines, often enforced by accreditation from oversight bodies like the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB).

United Tissue Network coordinates body donations for science in the Tampa area. A nonprofit organization, accredited by AATB, UTN upholds the highest levels of ethics, treating families and donated bodies with the respect and dignity they deserve.

UTN pays all of the costs for transportation, placement, and cremation.

Learn more about body donation by visiting United Tissue Network’s website or talking to one of our U.S.-based Donor Service Coordinators 24/7 at (877) 738-6111.