There are a lot of steps and decisions that go into planning a cremation in Denver, CO. From arranging the cremation itself to choosing what kind of service you want, how you want to put the cremains to rest, and many other steps, the to-do list can be long. So, what do you do? How can you plan without getting overwhelmed?
The following can give you some guidance on the important actions that must be taken to arrange a cremation for your lost loved one:
- Pick the Type of Cremation – There are a few different kinds of cremation services, so first step is to choose what kind you want. The two most common choices are traditional cremation and direct cremation. Traditional cremation is when there is a funeral or service before the cremation, which required the body to be embalmed and put in a casket. Direct cremation is when the body is cremated before any type of service. Because there is no pre-cremation funeral, the does not need to be embalmed or put in a casket.
- Get a Death Certificate with Copies– You have to get a death certificate for the deceased before the cremation facility or funeral home will do anything with the body. Some funeral homes and crematories may help you get a death certificate for an extra charge if you don’t already have one from the medical examiner or coroner. Make sure you get a few copies, as you will need to present a death certificate for almost every step of the way.
- Fill Out and File Cremation Authorization Forms– All bodies must be held, examined and authorized for cremation by the county coroner or medical examiner. After the examination, the coroner will fill out and sign a cremation authorization form. You need these forms to be completed and signed before any other step can be completed. Many cremation authorization forms include information about fingerprints or other body identifiers, as well as information like the time and place of death and date of birth.
- Make Plans to Transport the Body – Many crematories and funeral facilities will transport the body from the medical office, place of death, or storage to the place where it will be cremated as a service that’s included in the general cremation fee. In some cases, however, the family must arrange separate transportation.
- Plan for Post-Cremation – The cremated remains will be returned to you or another designated family member after the cremation, so you will need to make a plan for what to do with these remains. You can do almost anything you like from burying to scattering, interring, displaying or storing.
If you would like more tips on planning and arranging Denver, CO cremations, or would like more information on cremation in general, CremateSimply® is here to help. Our years of experience will be put to good use helping you in your time of loss. Visit us, or give us a call for more information about what we can do for you.