Planning a Cremation Service in Fontana, CA

The popularity of cremation in the United States has been on a steady rise for the past 50 years. As the popularity grows, we receive more and more questions about cremation. Many people are still confused about cremation, and we often hear misconceptions about cremation. This section of our website is committed to teaching you all planning a cremation ceremony. We have identified the 10 most important steps to planning a cremation service below: 
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What is Required to Arrange for Cremation?

Once the cremation-over-burial decision has been made, all that's required is authorization. This is provided by the person who is the legally identified or appointed next-of-kin. Once all authorization documents are signed, and service charges are paid; the body can be transported from the place of death to the crematory and the cremation process can take place. However, there are some additional things you may wish to consider, such as:

 

  • Is there a special set of clothes (such as a military uniform or favorite dress) your loved one would appreciate the thought of wearing? This will be a focus of the cremation arrangement conversation, and you will be advised by your funeral director as to your best options regarding jewelry or other valuable personal items.
  • Are there any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation casket? Perhaps there's a special memento, such as a treasured photograph or letter? We sometimes suggest family members write cards, notes or letters to their deceased loved one, and place them in the casket prior to the cremation.
  • Would you or other family members like to be present for–or participate to some degree in–your loved one's cremation? Because we know how healing it can be to take part in an act of "letting go", we welcome the opportunity to bring interested family or friends into the crematory. Please discuss your desire to participate with your funeral director.
  • What will you keep the cremated remains or ashes in after the cremation or the service? Many families are simply unaware that they can purchase a cremation urn to be placed in a special place such as the family home. We offer a large selection of urns that will help memorialize your loved one. Ask one of our caring funeral director's to see the wide variety of urns.

 

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The Decision to Begin Planning Cremation

What are some factors that you will have to consider when deciding on cremation? All of them are deeply personal and significant: there are your spiritual/religious beliefs, your level of environmental consciousness, financial considerations, and the expectations of your immediate family and your wider social group. The first 5 steps to planning a cremation ceremony actually happen before the decision to cremate happens and are about learning and understanding what options are available to you to make the most informed decision.   There are 5 final steps once the decision has been made to continue with cremation. These steps surround preparing the arrangements and ensuring everything that you wish is recognized and present. 

Steps to Arrange a Cremation Service

1. Learn about your cremation options.

Review the cremation planning options found on our website.

2. Engage your family in a discussion.

We urge you to bring your family into the conversation to get a better idea about how they feel about cremation and what they would prefer.

3. Speak with a funeral professional.

If there are any questions or concerns, please turn to us for the insights you may need at this point.

4. Document your cremation intentions in writing.

There are a number of forms we can provide to take this step. Call us to learn more. 

5. Arrange for the transportation of physical remains.

We can escort the physical remains to our facility or directly to the crematory.

6. Consider what kind of ceremony you would like to have. 

You can plan for a traditional funeral followed by the cremation or delay the ceremony until you have the time to plan a memorial service, celebration of life, or scattering ceremony.

7. Ask for assistance from your family and friends.

We urge you to bring your family into the conversation to get a better idea about how they feel about cremation and what they would prefer.

8. Select the music, prayers, or other readings. 

You don't have to have any of these things but you should decide exactly what you and your guests will do at this event. There are endless possibilities. 

9. Contact guests well ahead of time.

This is especially important if they will need to travel or request time off from work. 

10. Decide what will be done with the cremated remains.

Commonly the urn is a visual fiscal point of a celebration of life. Will you then take it home? Will the scattering of ashes be a part of the event? You may want to purchase keepsake urns for family members. 

Ready to Start Cremation Planning?

We've had years of experience helping other families make cremation service arrangements. Never hesitate to pick up the phone to call us. We would be privileged to serve you and your family. Simply call to speak with one of our funeral professionals.
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