Cremation Society of North Carolina

What is Cremation, and Why is it Becoming the New Norm?

Cremation is a dignified and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial. It's a process where the body is transformed into a state of ashes, allowing families to memorialize their loved ones in a personalized and meaningful way. With cremation rates rising steadily, it's clear that people are looking for a more flexible, affordable, and eco-conscious way to say goodbye.

In North Carolina, the cremation rate is higher than the national average, with over 50% of families choosing cremation. This shift is driven by changing attitudes towards death, environmental concerns, and the desire for a more personalized farewell.

The Benefits of Cremation: Why Families are Making the Switch

• Environmental Benefits: Cremation is a more eco-friendly option, reducing the carbon footprint and preserving natural resources.
• Cost-Effective: Cremation can be up to 50% less expensive than traditional burial, making it a more affordable option for families.
• Personalization: Cremation allows for a wide range of memorialization options, from scattering ashes to creating custom urns and jewelry.
• Flexibility: Cremation gives families the freedom to hold a memorial service at a time and place that suits them, rather than being tied to a traditional funeral schedule.

By choosing cremation, families can focus on what really matters – celebrating the life and legacy of their loved one, rather than getting bogged down in traditional funeral arrangements.

The Cremation Process: What to Expect

The cremation process is a dignified and respectful procedure that involves several steps:

1. Identification and Preparation: The deceased is identified, and any medical devices or implants are removed.
2. Cremation Chamber: The body is placed in a cremation chamber, where it is exposed to high temperatures, reducing the body to ashes.
3. Processing: The ashes are processed into a fine powder, known as cremated remains.
4. Return of Ashes: The cremated remains are returned to the family, who can then choose to bury, scatter, or keep them in an urn.

Throughout the process, our experienced professionals ensure that every step is carried out with dignity, respect, and care.

Memorialization Options: Honoring Your Loved One

One of the most significant benefits of cremation is the flexibility it offers in terms of memorialization. Here are some popular options:

• Urn Selection: Choose from a wide range of urns, from traditional to modern designs, to hold the cremated remains.
• Scattering Gardens: Designate a special area for scattering ashes, often with a memorial plaque or tree.
• Cremation Jewelry: Keep a small portion of the ashes close to your heart with custom-made jewelry.
• Memory Boxes: Create a personalized memory box with mementos, photos, and other keepsakes.

The possibilities are endless, and our experienced team is here to guide you in finding the perfect way to honor your loved one.

Planning Ahead: The Benefits of Pre-Planning

Pre-planning your cremation arrangements can be a thoughtful and responsible decision, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

• Lock in Prices: Pre-planning allows you to lock in prices, protecting your family from future inflation.
• Specify Wishes: Ensure that your wishes are respected, and your family is not left with difficult decisions.
• Reduce Stress: Pre-planning can reduce the emotional burden on your family, allowing them to focus on celebrating your life.

Our team is here to guide you through the pre-planning process, ensuring that your wishes are respected and your family is protected.

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Cremation Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about cremation:

1. Is cremation a new concept?

No, cremation has been practiced for thousands of years, with evidence of cremation dating back to ancient civilizations.

2. Is cremation environmentally friendly?

Yes, cremation is a more eco-friendly option, reducing the carbon footprint and preserving natural resources.

3. Can I still have a traditional funeral service with cremation?

Absolutely, you can still hold a traditional funeral service, followed by cremation.

4. How do I know that the ashes are my loved one's?

We use a unique identification system to ensure that the ashes returned to you are those of your loved one.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

At the Cremation Society of North Carolina, we're committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to navigate the cremation process.

From pre-planning to memorialization, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you in your time of need.