People choose cremation services near Evanston, IL, for many different reasons. It might be the savings they get compared to traditional burial. It might be their wish not to contribute to more land use in a cemetery. Whatever the reason may be, cremation services offer a lot of freedom when it comes to planning final services and arrangements. Many people associate a memorial service with cremation, but this is not the only option you have. It’s very common for families to hold a traditional funeral prior to cremation services, and it’s easily attainable. 

One reason many families wish to have a traditional funeral is so that they can have a chance see their loved one a last time, and say a final goodbye. Most funerals are preceded by a viewing, in which the deceased’s body is lain in an open casket. This requires embalming beforehand. For many people, it’s an important step in the grieving process to be able to see their loved one, one last time. A memorial service does not have the bodily remains of the deceased present, so a viewing is not an option. That’s one reason why many people choose to hold a funeral prior to cremation. 

Another reason a family might wish to have a traditional funeral is because of their religious beliefs. Some religions require the presence of the departed’s body at their final services. They may allow for cremation to take place, but the funeral must have the body present. In this case, a traditional funeral would be necessary. 

If you’re wondering how the proceedings would take place, rather than traveling to the cemetery after the funeral is concluded, the person’s body would then be transported to the crematory. There, it will be held until cremation takes place. The crematory will ensure that their body is kept labeled and secure at all times. After the process has concluded, their remains will be returned to their family in the form of ashes, contained within a temporary urn. After that, the family must choose what to do with their loved one’s ashes. They might purchase an urn to keep them in their home, or they might choose to scatter them in a meaningful place. Many families choose to have their loved one’s ashes interred at a cemetery, either with burial or in a columbarium niche. This is a popular choice because it provides a final and permanent resting place that can be visited any time. 

As you can see, it’s perfectly possible to hold a traditional funeral prior to the cremation process. Your provider of cremation services near Evanston, IL, will be happy to help connect you with trusted funeral homes in the area. If you wish to hold their services at your place of worship, this can be achieved as well. This way, you can ensure that your loved one’s beliefs and wishes are upheld, while your family’s needs are met at the same time. Then you can proceed to put their remains to rest in whichever way you choose. Were here to serve either immediate need or preplanning.