If your loved one has recently passed away and wanted to be cremated, it is essential to know what you need to do to find the right cremation service and plan to honor your loved one.
1. Check Local Rates
The first thing you should do is call different cremation services in your area and get a rate from them for the cremation process. You may find that the rates from one provider to another are similar. If you find one company is charging way more or way less, you should ask follow-up questions to understand their rating practice fully. Generally, market demand sets cremation prices, and the prices offered from one provider to another should be within a similar range.
2. Check on Reviews
Second, as with other types of business, you shouldn't have a problem finding online reviews of funeral homes and stand-alone cremation business. When you look at the reviews, consider if the overall reviews are positive or negative. Look for common themes throughout the reviews, such as quick and professional service. This will help you find the right company to handle your loved one's remains.
3. Visit the Actual Location
Third, you should head down to the funeral home or crematory and check out the actual facility. The place should be clean and well cared for. The people who work there should treat you with respect and willing to answer all your questions.
If the location is dirty and unkempt, and the staff is rude or short with you, look for an alternative cremation service. This type of business should maintain a clean premise and understand the sensitive and personal nature of what their clients are going through.
4. Consider Service Options
Finally, you need to consider precisely what you want from the funeral and cremation process. Do you want to have your loved one cremated and put in an urn immediately? Or did you want to have a funeral with the body and then have it cremated after? Are you looking for a place to host a funeral or a celebration of life?
What you want will also impact the provider that you work with. A crematory can take care of cremating the body if you want that done directly. If you want to view the body and then have it cremated afterward, they may be able to let you do that as well.
When it comes to finding a business to work with to help cremate your loved one, call around to get an idea of local pricing. Look at inspections to get an insight into others' experiences and visit any location you are interested in working within in person. Finally, know what type of services you are looking for so you can find a business that will best suit your needs. Contact a company like Aspen Mortuaries for more information.
