Frequently Asked Questions

Many believe that they know what cremation is, but they are often mistaken or misinformed. Here is a listing of the most common questions we receive about cremation and their respective answers. If you have a question that has not been addressed on this website, please call us at 708-532-5400 to get the information you need.

1. How much will the cremation cost me?
 
2. Can I take part in the cremation?
 
3. Must I buy an urn from you, or may I get one from another source?
 
4. What should I do with my loved one's ashes?
 
5. What source of fuel is used for the cremation?
 
6. Are people dressed when they are cremated?
 
7. Can we place special items in our loved one’s cremation casket?
 
8. Can we forgo a commemoration service?
 
9. I am considering placing my loved one’s ashes in the care of a local cemetery. What is the difference between a columbarium and a mausoleum?
 
10. Can you tell us which type of service is appropriate for us?
 
11. What “extra” fees or charges can I expect?
 
12. What are "cash advance items"?
 
13. Do I pay for “cash advance items” at the arrangement conference?
 
14. Can we arrange to bury our loved one’s ashes on cemetery grounds?
 
15. What must I bring to the funeral home?
 
16. Can I write my loved one’s obituary?
 
17. Should I tell people not to send flowers?
 

Question #1How much will the cremation cost me?
Answer:We are legally required to share with you our General Price List (GPL) whenever you discuss with us the cost of your loved one’s cremation, be it in person or over the phone. The GPL provides you with details of the actual cost of the cremation services we provide, which include our basic professional services fee, the cost of the crematory for use of its facilities and any additional charges incurred in the transportation and protection of the loved one’s remains before the cremation. It is not possible to quote you an accurate price for your cremation before speaking with you.

Question #2Can I take part in the cremation?
Answer:Generally, yes, you can. This depends, however, on the particular crematorium you select. How much you can participate also depends on your choice of crematory, as they have different policies and facilities.

Question #3Must I buy an urn from you, or may I get one from another source?
Answer:As per the FTC’s Funeral Rule, you have the right to purchase the cremation urn from a second or third party. Your funeral director may not charge you an extra fee for doing so. Also, they cannot force you to be there for its delivery to the funeral home.

Question #4What should I do with my loved one's ashes?
Answer:There are many options for how you may handle a loved one’s cremains. You may bring them home for permanent placement there, scatter them on land or at sea, use them in the creation of keepsake jewelry or have them incorporated into pieces of art. If you have any questions, please contact us today and we will provide you with the answers you seek.

Question #5What source of fuel is used for the cremation?
Answer:Mostly natural or L.P. gas is used. Sometimes diesel oil is utilized, which is not environmentally sound. If the environmental impact of the cremation is an issue for you, please speak with one of our funeral directors. There are other choices, such as green burial.

Question #6Are people dressed when they are cremated?
Answer:Some may choose to be cremated without clothing. For the most part, however, the loved one is dressed in the clothing he or she selected before dying or in garb chosen by family after the demise.

Question #7Can we place special items in our loved one’s cremation casket?
Answer:It depends on the item or items in question. Oftentimes, the family will request the placement of notes, cards or drawings by children. We urge you to talk with your funeral director to receive information about the rules set forth by the crematory conducting the cremation.

Question #8Can we forgo a commemoration service?
Answer:You probably should not. Cremation is simply the type of physical end-of-life care you have chosen for your loved one. Paying tribute to the deceased benefits those who knew him or her. Cremation allows families more time to plan a meaningful memorial gathering or celebration-of-life that attends to the emotional needs of survivors.

Question #9I am considering placing my loved one’s ashes in the care of a local cemetery. What is the difference between a columbarium and a mausoleum?
Answer:A mausoleum is a free-standing building on the cemetery property that serves as both a monument and as a burial location for casketed remains. A columbarium fulfills the same functions, except that it contains niche spaces which are large enough to accommodate one or two urns.

Question #10Can you tell us which type of service is appropriate for us?
Answer:We cannot tell you which service is right for your loved one. Your funeral director is the best resource to guide and assist you, explain the differences between the various service structures such as a traditional funeral, memorial service and celebration-of-life, and share parts of his or her history with final arrangements. This information is provided to help you make informed decisions for yourselves.

Question #11What “extra” fees or charges can I expect?
Answer:That depends on the specific cremation plans you propose. There will likely be an expense for the release of your loved one’s obituary in a newspaper and other possible second-party purchases. If you choose a decorative urn and would like to individualize it by having an engraved nameplate attached, you may have to pay a nominal fee.

Question #12What are "cash advance items"?
Answer:At the arrangement conference in which you make the selected cremation service arrangements with your funeral director, we will provide you with a copy of our General Price List, which includes the precise price or good-faith estimate of the most asked for “cash advance items.” “Cash advance items” can been defined as products or services received from a third party and paid for by the funeral director for the use of the buyer. They may include cemetery or crematorium services, pall bearers, public transportation, clergy fees, funeral flowers, musicians, nurses, obituary notices and death certificates.

Question #13Do I pay for “cash advance items” at the arrangement conference?
Answer:For details about our payment policies, please call to speak with one of our staff of cremation service professionals.

Question #14Can we arrange to bury our loved one’s ashes on cemetery grounds?
Answer:Yes, this can be arranged. The ashes can be interred, or the urn can be placed in a columbarium niche.

Question #15What must I bring to the funeral home?
Answer:You will need to bring the documents and information needed to complete your loved one’s death certificate and obituary. If you plan to have a service or ceremony, you may also want to bring family pictures to be included in a tribute video or to decorate the setting the service is held at. Your funeral director will give you an exact listing of the things needed for the arrangement conference.

Question #16Can I write my loved one’s obituary?
Answer:You may write the obituary yourself or have it done by a family member, friend or your funeral director. Under Guidance on this website, we provide tips on writing an obituary. We hope that it helps you or the person you choose to compose a fitting obituary for your loved one.

Question #17Should I tell people not to send flowers?
Answer:For many years, flowers have contributed to the comfort and beauty of services. More recently, however, printed and online obituaries have often included the phrase “in lieu of flowers.” This is not an imperative, but rather a suggestion to those who feel that a charitable donation is more appropriate than funeral flowers. If you truly do not want flowers, you should make yourself clear by writing “please do not send flowers.”