7 Tips For Choosing The Right Cremation Services In Calgary

 

 

There can be confusion at times between funeral homes in Calgary cremation providers. Some funeral homes in Calgary offer cremation and some cremation providers don’t offer funeral services. And some providers offer both. Depending on your needs, you’ll want to consider all options.

Here are 7 tips for choosing the right cremation provider:

1. Services Available

It is important to distinguish cremation providers from funeral homes. Funeral homes in Calgary provide a range of services and often function as a single point of contact for the bereaved. Cremation providers do not always funeral planning services. If you’re looking for funeral services in Calgary, you’ll want to ensure you find a cremation provider who offers these services as well.

2. Types of Cremation

As cremation becomes the preferred service for most Calgarians, the types of cremation continue to grow. The traditional cremation process involves preparing the body and moving the body into the cremation chamber. The ashes are then finalized and any pieces of metal (such as dental fillings) are removed before the remains are placed into a temporary or permanent urn.

If you’re looking for a common alternative such as “green cremation”, you’ll want to be sure the provider you are considering offers it.

3. Location 

The location of your cremation provider is important. Choosing one that is in close proximity to your funeral home or that offers funeral services in Calgary is advisable.

4. Pricing

Of course, budget is always an important component when choosing a cremation provider. You want to find one that has a pricing package that works best for you and your family. 

5. Customer Service and Online Navigation

Making arrangements for your loved one’s passing is not always an easy or linear process. Having experienced and caring representatives is an absolute must when it comes to cremation providers. The easier it is to reach them, the better.

6. Reviews

Reviews are often the deal-breaker when you’re choosing between a few different options. Two or more cremation providers may sound good on paper, but sometimes, the reviews tell another story.

Where can you find reviews of a cremation provider? Search engines like Google and website like Yelp are often your best bet. 

7. Available Add-Ons

When it comes to storing the remains, it’s always nice to have options. It can be preferable to work with a cremation provider that doesn’t require you to purchase a permanent urn if you already have another urn in mind from another provider.

Plus, there’s more than one way to store the remains. Keepsake urns provide variety and allow you to store your loved one’s remains in a uniquely special way. Cremation jewelry is also a wonderful gift to provide for anyone who wants to keep their loved one close.

When considering funeral homes in Calgary and cremation providers, keep these tips in mind to ensure you get the support you need within your budget. You’ll want to determine your needs and then out to find the right provider who can easily fill them for you.

How to Plan a Funeral Reception Checklist

 

It is said that the most important part of any funeral is the reception. The reception is the first social event following a funeral where the deceased is not present and represents a new, often difficult reality. It is customary (but not required) to hold a reception following a funeral or memorial service. This gathering offers friends and family the opportunity to meet in an informal environment. You can have a funeral reception after a burial or cremation.

Planning a funeral reception provides an opportunity for guests to visit while enjoying something to eat. You can rely on the funeral services team at your funeral home to help you plan a reception that fits your preferences, budget and allows space for your family and friends to come together after the funeral.

When planning a funeral reception, there are a few key decisions to keep in mind, whether you are planning yourself or sharing your needs with a funeral planner who can put them into action for you.

Choose a location – The appropriate location for a funeral reception is anywhere that is suitable for you and your guests. Locations are often chosen because they are a place that was special to the deceased and can be traditional, such as a church or funeral home reception hall, or non-traditional, such as a favourite restaurant or outdoor location.

Set a tone – Some funeral receptions are celebratory and full of humour and stories to remember the person who has passed, others are more somber and reflective. Consider the person you are there to honour, their wishes, what you feel comfortable with and the overall attitude of your attendees to determine the tone or type of funeral reception you are planning.

Personalise the event – A funeral reception is an opportunity to bring the mourners together and honour the person who has passed. Personalising a reception to include religious and cultural observances, personal anecdotes, hobbies and unique details from the life of the deceased helps to bring life to the occasion and creates a more personal connection for those attending.

Choose food & drink – The reception after a funeral doesn’t have to include alcohol or consist of a full meal. The type of food and drink you serve will depend on financial considerations, the amount of time you have to prepare, religious requirements and cultural factors. Work with your funeral director or the team at the venue you have chosen to determine the appropriate food and drink for your funeral reception.

Consider other details – As a part of personalizing the reception, consider adding special touches such as music, videos, slideshows, flowers, unique commemorative adornments and anything else that suits the occasion.

The most important things to remember when planning a funeral reception are to keep it simple, make choices on your own terms and don’t forget that the size and scope of the reception is up to you. Also, don’t forget that you are likely to be grieving. Planning an event can be overwhelming under the best of circumstances, but when you add the fact that you are mourning it can become unmanageable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, community members and of course, the team at the funeral home you are working with who is well trained and experienced in putting together a personalized funeral reception that suits your requests, budget and needs, all in a short period of time.