Many believe that if you choose cremation, you are limited to a very simple service or no service at all. The fact is, cremation in no way prevents family and friends from participating in the traditions, ceremonies, or rituals of a funeral service.  Again, like earth burial or entombment, there are many options: cremation with public or private viewing only, cremation with viewing and a service, cremation with a memorial service and no viewing, or cremation with no ceremonies.  Personalize your services to suit family traditions or customs. When people realize these choices are available, the majority selects some type of ceremony, viewing, etc.

Ceremonies and viewings are intended to help survivors by providing an opportunity to acknowledge the loss and by offering a sense of closure. They provide a time for loved ones to release their feelings and share their grief, so the healing process may begin.  Cremation can take place after a viewing, ceremony, gathering, or other elements of a funeral service.  It has been proven, that taking part in the process of arranging and attending funeral ceremonies can be therapeutic.  Again, you have several options. Some prefer to keep the cremated remains in their personal possession. Others feel that it is more appropriate to put the cremated remains in a formal or permanent location. It is common to bury the urn just as you would bury a casket. This allows families to remain together in a burial plot regardless of each family member's choice of preparation for final disposition. The burial site offers a permanent place for loved ones to visit and reflect on the life of the deceased. Burial can also be in an urn garden or private crypt.  A columbarium (mausoleum niche), either indoors or outdoors, can provide a permanent place for the family to visit. The columbarium niche is marked with a nameplate listing dates of birth and death. A choice may also be to keep the urn at home.

Scattering is also an option. Cremated remains are often spread over a lake, river, ocean, mountain, field or scattering garden. Water scattering can include a biodegradable urn, which is also included in the scattering.
Funeral directors should be aware of local customs, laws, rules and regulations. And when thinking of future generations you may decide to scatter a portion and inter a portion at a place of memorial.  As people develop new traditions and rituals, it is important to understand that there are choices and options available.  So, be sure to consider all of your options before making your decision.