Cremation Options

 Overview of Cremation

The number of people choosing cremation has increased significantly in the past few years, yet cremation carries a long tradition and remains largely unchanged.

Cremation simply expedites the process of reducing a body to bone fragments through application of intense heat.

What is done before or after the cremation is up to the survivors, or up to you. You can relieve the burden of these decisions by pre-planning your arrangements in advance of need so that your wishes will be honored.

Contrary to what some people believe, Cremation does not limit choices, but, in fact, increases one’s options. It is a process which is performed in a respectful and dignified manner and can be memorialized in many ways.

What You Should Know About Cremation View this document. 

 Cremation and Funerals

Choosing cremation neither eliminates nor does it require a funeral service.  Traditional or contemporary services are often planned before or after the cremation process.  A funeral service followed by cremation may be exactly the same as a funeral service followed by ground burial. They can be elaborate or simple and traditional or nontraditional. Arrangements and ceremonies tend to be as individual as the persons for whom and by whom they are made.They may be personalized specifically to reflect the life of the deceased, and thus have a special meaning. Bliley's is able to assist in any and all of your Funeral Service needs. To obtain more information on funeral services click here or call 804-355-3800.

Cremation After the Ceremony will be just like a Complete Funeral Service except cremation will follow instead of the casketed burial.  This can be accommodated by the use of a cremation casket (casket that is designed to be cremated).  Following the viewing, service or ceremony, and eventual cremation, the cremated remains can be buried, properly scattered, or returned to the family for safe keeping.  Often families will choose to use an urn to hold the cremated remains which can be something as simple as a jewelry box or as elaborate as a beautiful work of art.

Cremation Before the Ceremony, often families choose for the cremation to occur before the ceremony.  We require a designated representative of the family to identify the remains before cremation.  This also serves as a time for family to gather to say their last goodbyes.  This is a very personal time for families and is an important step in acknowledging that the death has occurred.  Having some type of gathering or ceremony is a great way to honor the life of your loved one and allows friends and family to pay their respects and to show their support.

A Direct Cremation refers to a cremation being provided without any services or ceremony.