The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes to our daily lives, including the way we handle end-of-life matters. Cremation services Silver Spring, MD is a popular option for many families during this difficult time, but the process may be different due to the pandemic. In this blog post, we will discuss how to handle the cremation process during the COVID-19 pandemic and what to expect when planning a cremation service.

Virtual Services

To comply with social distancing guidelines, many funeral homes are offering virtual services as an alternative to in-person gatherings. This can include live streaming the service, video conferencing, or pre-recorded tributes. Virtual services allow families to grieve together while still following safety guidelines.

Restrictions on Gatherings

Due to social distancing guidelines, there may be restrictions on the number of people allowed to attend a service in person. Families should check with their funeral home to see what the specific guidelines are and plan accordingly.

Safety Measures

Funeral homes and crematories have implemented safety measures to protect staff and visitors from COVID-19. These measures may include temperature screenings, mask requirements, and increased cleaning protocols. Families should be prepared to comply with these measures when planning a cremation service.

Cremation Process

The actual cremation process has not been affected by the pandemic and remains the same as it was before. The body is placed in a casket or container and is then placed in a cremation chamber where it is exposed to high temperatures. The remains are then processed and returned to the family in an urn or scatter tube.

Regulations

Each state has their own set of regulations and guidelines regarding funerals during the pandemic. Families should check with their local health department and funeral home to understand the specific regulations in their area.

Cremation Costs

While the cost of cremation itself has not increased during the pandemic, additional costs such as virtual services or increased safety measures may be added to the overall cost of the service. Families should discuss costs with the funeral home beforehand and work out a budget that suits their needs and preferences.

Grief Support

The pandemic has made it harder for families to grieve and say goodbye to their loved ones. Many funeral homes are offering grief support services, either online or in-person, for those who need it. Families should take advantage of these services if they are available.

In closing, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes to the way we handle end-of-life matters, including the cremation process. Families should be prepared to comply with safety measures and restrictions on gatherings when planning a cremation service. Virtual services and grief support services are also available to help families cope during this difficult time. Families should check with their local health department and funeral home to understand the specific regulations and guidelines in their area. Despite the changes, cremation remains a popular option for many families and the process itself has not been affected by the pandemic.

Hopefully, we were able to give you valuable pieces of information, if you want to know more about cremation services you can reach to a local cremation services Silver Spring, MD.

The green funeral movement is a growing trend that emphasizes environmentally friendly and sustainable practices in the funeral industry. One of the key components of this movement is the use of cremation as an alternative to traditional burial methods. Local cremation services Columbia, MD are also advocating this but let us give you our take on this.

Cremation has been around for thousands of years, but in recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a more environmentally friendly option. The process of cremation involves using high temperatures to reduce a body to ashes, which can then be placed in an urn or scattered in a meaningful location. Unlike traditional burials, which require the use of land and resources, cremation is a more compact and efficient way to dispose of the remains.

One of the main benefits of cremation is that it requires less land than traditional burials. Cemeteries take up a significant amount of land, and as the population continues to grow, the need for more burial space becomes increasingly pressing. In contrast, cremation takes up significantly less space, making it a more sustainable option. Additionally, cremation does not require the use of embalming fluids or other chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

Another benefit of cremation is that it is often less expensive than traditional burials. Cremation does not require the use of a casket or burial plot, which can significantly reduce the cost of a funeral. This can be especially beneficial for families who may be struggling financially and are looking for a more affordable option.

In addition to the environmental and financial benefits of cremation, it also allows for more flexibility in terms of memorialization. With traditional burials, the location of the gravesite is often permanent, making it difficult for families to visit their loved ones if they move away. With cremation, the ashes can be placed in an urn and kept at home, or scattered in a meaningful location. This allows families to have a more personal and meaningful connection to their loved ones.

The green funeral movement also emphasizes the use of eco-friendly urns and caskets. Biodegradable urns made from materials such as bamboo, paper, and even salt are becoming increasingly popular. These materials break down naturally in the environment, eliminating the need for land and resources. Similarly, caskets made from sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, wicker or even cardboard can be used in a cremation service.

It is important to note that while cremation is a more environmentally friendly option, it is not the only one. The green funeral movement also promotes other sustainable practices such as natural green burials, where the body is buried in a biodegradable casket in a natural setting. Additionally, some families choose to donate their loved one’s body to science for research or medical education.

To sum it up, the green funeral movement is an important and growing trend in the funeral industry, and cremation plays a significant role in this movement. Cremation is a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option than traditional burials, and it also allows for more flexibility and personalization in memorialization. As the population continues to grow, and the need for sustainable solutions becomes increasingly pressing, it is important to consider all options when planning a funeral.

If you are interested to know more about cremation and cremation services you can reach to a local cremation services Columbia, MD. Call us to learn more.

Many people have a lot of questions about cremation services Clarksburg, MD which implies there is a lot regarding cremation that the public doesn’t know. Please read on if you find this subject of interest. Here are a few of the most intriguing, instructive, and, in a few instances, odd tidbits regarding cremation that you should know.

1. Funerals may still be held even if cremation is chosen

This is the first item on the list because it exemplifies the preconceived notions that most of us have about cremation. Many people, because of our cultural bias toward associating burials with memorial services, believe that if a body is cremated, no funeral is held.

No, unfortunately, that is not the case. Though some families opt out of memorial services in favor of direct cremation, funerals are often held either before or after a cremation.

2. Nothing except ashes

After a cremation, the family may choose to either take the remains home in an urn or scatter them. Many people just think that’s the case with them.

The opposite is true. They are hardly distinguishable from ashes. Bones from the dead have been crushed to ash for the last resting place.

Learning more about the cremation process, such as the information provided here, may help one better understand its fundamental characteristics. For instance, it’s not as easy as just burning a corpse to ash at a crematorium. The high temperatures used in crematoriums destroy all a body’s tissues.

The only thing that should be left after a cremation is the bones. Staff at the crematorium will then use powerful grinding equipment to reduce the remains to a more manageable size for the deceased’s loved ones to take home.

3. This practice has mostly supplanted traditional funerals

For a long time, burial has been considered the default method of corpse disposal in many regions of the globe, even when cremation is also an option.

Even it is shifting. It’s no secret that cremation is gaining popularity. Indeed, 2015 was the first year in which a greater percentage of Americans chose cremation than burial.

There might be a wide variety of causes for this pattern. Costs associated with funerals being on the rise is one such example. When comparing the costs of burial with cremation, burial is often more costly.

People’s growing acceptance of cremation may be linked to the expansion of faiths that accept it. Because, for instance, Catholic doctrines have always said that cremation is wrong because the body is sacrosanct and not merely a temporary receptacle for the soul, this practice has been widely rejected by Catholics throughout history.

In contrast, Vatican tolerance on this issue has increased in recent decades. As a result, Catholics now have a greater tolerance for the cremation of family members and friends.

Another possible explanation is the growing interest in environmental responsibility. Since cremation often requires less resources than burial does, it may be the most environmentally friendly option.

4. It’s an ancient method

When you consider how long cremation has been practiced, the idea that it is on the upswing seems hilarious.

Although the specifics of how a person is cremated have evolved somewhat from the year 1000 BCE, cremation has been a common Western practice for some time. However, it’s possible that cremation had been practiced in some form by other societies for thousands of years before to then.

If there are still things that you want to clarify about cremation, you can find funeral homes that offers cremation services in Clarksburg, MD. Check our community outreach for more information about our services.

You can contact a local cremation services Silver Spring, MD if you just lost a loved one, but where can you seek support in this time of grieving?

It’s common to isolate oneself after the loss of a loved one. On the other hand, now is not the time to be by yourself. Being among supportive others may help relieve the pain of loss even if you are unable to discuss it now.

Sometimes the first step toward recovery is just reaching out to the people who care about you. While some loved ones may feel awkward or even uncomfortable being around you while you grieve, many others will be anxious to help. Your burdensome will not increase if you express your emotions. In fact, it may aid you in coming to terms with your loss and discovering new ways to remember your cherished one.

You should rely on your loved ones

It’s important to let people close to you know what you need, whether it’s assistance with funeral preparations or just someone to speak to during this difficult time. Find ways to expand your social circle and make new acquaintances if you don’t currently feel you have someone to turn to for emotional support during this challenging period.

Don’t forget to pay attention to the “excellent listeners”

The most crucial aspect of dealing with the death of a loved one is having your voice heard by people you trust the most. Yet, others may feel uneasy about your open display of mourning. As a result, they may ignore you, say insensitive or nasty things, or get impatient when you speak about your loss. However, you shouldn’t use their behavior as an excuse to cut them off. Seek out others who are in a better position to listen and provide solace.

Participate in a grief support group

Even if you have the aid of people closest to you, they may not always know the best approach to help. Meeting with individuals who understand your sadness might help you feel less alone in your sorrow. You may learn a lot about coping strategies by listening to the experiences of others. You may phone a grief hotline, look for support groups online, or inquire at a local hospital, funeral home, or counseling facility.

Consult a grief counselor

Counseling from a bereavement or grieving specialist might help if you are having trouble adjusting to your loss or are experiencing extreme feelings of sadness. You may discover better methods to adjust to life after the death of a loved one and work through feelings that may be too tough to express with family and friends if you confide in a professional.

Seek solace in your religion

If you have a religion, the rituals associated with grieving a loss might provide you solace and bring you closer to those who understand your pain. Other ways to find solace and understanding in the wake of a loved one’s passing include engaging in religious practices like worship, reading spiritual books, praying, meditating, or speaking with a clergy person.

We hope that this article was able to help you, if you need funeral and cremation services assistance you can find cremation services in Silver Spring, MD. Speak to our expert now.

As more families are choosing cremation services in Columbia, MD for its practicality, some families want to organize a cremation ceremony for their loved one. In this article, we will examine the many cremation rituals that may be performed and the circumstances under which they might take place. A cremation ceremony is explained, along with the options for holding it in a funeral home, your house, or another location of your choosing.

The Cremation Ceremony: What Is It?

To begin, it is important to have a firm grasp on what a cremation service entails. Instead of the deceased being present in a coffin during a funeral, cremated remains are present at a cremation ceremony. A ceremony performed before, during, or after a cremation or an interment.

The Value of Cremation Ceremonies

Traditional funerals and cremation rites have always been at the center of the mourning process. To properly grieve the death of a loved one, those left behind need a ritual or ceremony to say their last goodbyes. A funeral, memorial service, or other celebration of life acts as such occasion.

A funeral or cremation service is often seen as a healthy way to say goodbye to a loved one who has passed away, according to psychologists. The funeral ceremony is a time for family and friends to come together, grieve, and celebrate the life of the deceased. All this matters whether our deceased loved one was cremated.

Some ideas for cremation ceremony

You may add both more conventional memorial elements and more unconventional “celebration of life” elements into the service.

To get you started planning the ceremony, here are some suggestions for elements to include:

• Invite just the closest of friends and relatives
• Think about having a close friend or family member officiate the funeral.
• Get dressed up for the party!
• Please bring a picture to share.
• Initiate a few words of reflection or a short eulogy.
• You might ask people present to tell a story or recite a favorite quotation.
• Perform a song (a funeral song, a funny song, or a tune that the deceased loved)
• Sing a tune (bring portable speakers)
• Pray for it (here are some good ones)
• To have the ashes deposited in the urn, please bring the urn.
• Plan an after-party (book a restaurant room or host a potluck)

Ceremony when inurning the ashes

Cremated remains may be inurned for exhibition, or in preparation for dispersion, burial, or water disposal. An “inurn” is like the practice of burying or entombing a corpse.

Incorporating a ceremony into the inurnment process is a positive and therapeutic way to say goodbye to a loved one while also paying tribute to their life. In the same way that a funeral or other event requires careful planning and preparation, so does this moment.

Ceremony for scattering ashes

Scattering rituals are gaining popularity alongside cremation. A scattering ceremony is held when a group of people gathers in a location that has meaning for the deceased person’s relatives and friends. Someone breaks open the priceless remains’ unique scattering urn, releasing them to the wind or sea to be carried into eternity.

During this solemn moment, prayers may be uttered, songs can be sung, memories recounted, a eulogy can be given, and a sermon can be delivered, just as they would in a regular funeral ceremony.

These are just some of the things you need to know in holding cremation ceremony, you can reach out to us if you have pre-arrangements need and find cremation services in Columbia, MD for more details about cremation services.

People may decide for cremation because they wish to minimize their impact on the environment or because it is a family tradition. Even if cremation is chosen, families still want to honor their loved one with a funeral they will never forget. Your cremation services in Clarksburg, MD, may integrate numerous unique memorial service ideas. Some suggestions for planning a funeral that brings family members together in mutual support and appreciation of a life well lived are provided below.

Photo tributes

Funeral professionals may also help families build picture memory boards that show a chronology of the person’s life or themed boards that concentrate on certain connections or hobbies. Photos in these displays become an even more significant method to generate visual memories for families that choose cremation and don’t wish to have a typical viewing.

Also, explore different means of showing images during a service. One example of this is to tie photographs to the strings of helium-filled balloons over the guestbook table. Ideas such as these will be especially welcomed by families who want the service to have a hope-filled, joyful mood.

Personalized urns

A customized urn can assist a family reflect their loved one’s distinct characteristics, particularly if they would prefer to have the urn present during the funeral. Customization may be as easy as engraving the urn or an attaching plaque or take the form of a more ornate urn with a unique shape or picture. Veterans’ service may be recognized with specific decorations on the urn.

Don’t forget to consult with the family to select how the urn should be displayed — this will give some more opportunity to customize the memorial ceremony. Many families opt to display a picture, but other significant objects may be be presented to make a more lasting legacy. For example, the urn may be put on a pedestal covered with a handmade blanket that was important to the loved one. Specially crafted flower arrangements and candles may add to a meditative environment.

Video presentations

There’s a reason why video displays are a popular aspect for memorial ceremonies, regardless of whether a family chooses cremation or burial. These movies might help people bond over shared experiences and find delight in the experience. While most of these films are photo-based, it’s also feasible to add home footage and interviews with family members.

Video presentations are also a fantastic subject to discuss with families that prearrange funerals. By arranging in advance, they’ll have the chance to film a video of the individual who will be recognized during the event. In exchange, that individual will have a fantastic method to tell their experience in their own words and send messages of love to aid their family through the tough time.

Personalized exhibits

Customized displays during funeral services and celebration of life ceremonies allow funeral directors a chance to demonstrate their creativity. Therefore it’s vital to ask leading inquiries about the person’s interests and hobbies – you may unearth a concept that ends up being the most memorable component of the service.

Themed displays may be implemented throughout the event site to give an immersive experience for family and friends. If a person produced model aircraft, why not place a collection of them at the door of the service for people to enjoy and remember about? Some people have been honored on an even grander scale – for example, with displays of historic vehicles in the funeral home parking lot. You can check out our service now.

Contact us now if you still have questions and clarifications about cremation memorial services, you can reach cremation services in Clarksburg, MD.

Considerations and Tips if The Ashes Need to Be Transported

Once the cremation services in Silver Spring, MD, are completed, you may need to take your loved one’s ashes to a different destination. We want to make this process as easy as possible for you, so we have listed the three primary methods to transport the ashes and some helpful tips for the procedures.

By Car

The simplest method is to transport the remains by vehicle. This is the best choice if the destination isn’t too far away from your home and there are no rules or regulations around transporting cremated remains. The biggest recommendation for this experience is to ensure that the ashes are in a secured container and packaged to help prevent spillage or damage to the urn.

Shipping The Ashes

If the ashes need to be shipped, there are a few more considerations about this process. Currently, USPS is the only company that offers this service, but fortunately, they have a special kit you can order online for no charge. If you are choosing to use your packaging, you want to ensure that the urn is completely secured, and it is recommended to include additional packing material for the transport. It can be helpful to place the destinations information and information inside and outside because there is always a risk of loss.

In addition, you also need the appropriate labeling on all sides of the box because this helps the delivery drivers in processors know what’s inside so the package will be handled with extra care.

Flying

Flying can be more complex, and you want to start the process at least a week to prevent any transport delays. Almost every airplane allows for cremated remains to be taken aboard them, but they do have to determine if they will be sent as carry-on, luggage, or air cargo.

You will also need to ensure that the ashes are placed in a clear receptacle that is easily scanned when they go through the TSA security checkpoint. Choosing items like wood, glass, or plastic or easily scanned and can give a clearer image for the officers.

International

Every country has a different set of rules and regulations around transporting and shipping cremated remains, and there are some that do not allow the ashes to be brought into the country. So, the first step is to call or e-mail the embassy to see their requirements. International shipping can take more time, so starting this process two weeks in advance is recommended to ensure that you have the proper documentation for customs.

We offer the Highest-Quality Care and Support

As you can see, there are some complications that arise with shipping ashes after the cremation services in Silver Spring, MD, but with the proper research, it can be a more straightforward process. And if you’re looking for a professional team who can offer exceptional and thoughtful services, we are here to help. Our primary goal is to help our clients create a memorable event for their loved ones, so call us today to make arrangements.

Honoring the Veteran in Your Life Is Easier With These Popular Ideas

Do you need to plan funeral or cremation services in Columbia, MD, for a veteran in your life? Even a standard memorial can feel like a complicated experience to organize, and when you need to honor someone who served in the military, there are some extra details you can include. Finding what feels appropriate is critical, so here are just a few ways to commemorate their military career.

Bury Them in Uniform

For many individuals, their uniform signifies their devotion to their military career. It’s also seen as a tradition. The uniform represents the honor and pride the individual felt with their service, which will stay with them until they pass away. If the loved one did not request this, consider if it feels like the appropriate choice because this can be a very personal decision.

Have an Open Mic

Open mikes are another great way to celebrate the loved one, mainly if there are individuals that served alongside them in their career. Having guests share their experiences and memories about the individual can be a significant way to create a truly memorable experience.

Create a Video Tribute

Video tributes have been growing in popularity and for a good reason. They offer an opportunity to combine images and video footage with helping offer a glimpse into the individual’s life. If your veteran had a lot of pictures and content that could be connected, this is another way to honor their experience and highlight their legacy.

Set Up a Display

Finding a way to display your veteran’s life is another excellent option to add to the event. Creating areas throughout the venue that have uniforms, metals, accomplishments, and photos can all be turned into unique styles of exhibits to help give others some insight into all the ways that they served their country.

Include a Flag Ceremony

Flag ceremonies are another great way to commemorate the individual’s devotion to their military career. Having the flag draped over the casket or setting up for a traditional flag ceremony or both options make the event more meaningful.

Incorporate Their Civilian Life

The individual’s civilian life is as important as their military career, and it can be a thoughtful gesture to include this in the services. Highlighting different experiences, including:

• Close relationships they had
• Achievements or awards from education or work
• Hobbies or interests they pursued
• Volunteer work or causes they supported
• Information about where they grew up and lived

We are a Trusted Source of Compassionate Care

If the veteran in your life was unique and non-traditional, you could consider finding alternate options to make the ceremony feel more authentic. Consider having a celebration of life as opposed to a memorial or incorporating more personalization can help create a sense of connection to them.

We have you covered when you need high-quality cremation services in Columbia, MD. We are a locally owned company serving our community for over four generations. Our team of experts is here to answer any questions you may have, so call us today to get started or visit our community outreach.