Cremation Resources & Guides
Plain answers to the questions families ask most: the process, the costs, the paperwork and how to plan ahead. Every guide is free.
Making Arrangements
All Making Arrangements Guides Do Cremation Providers Pick Up From Home, Hospital or Hospice? Learn who to call for cremation pickup from home, a hospital or hospice, how release works, and which transportation fees to ask about before arranging care. Who Can Authorize Cremation and What Paperwork Is Needed? Learn who can authorize cremation, which documents a provider may need, and what to ask about signatures, permits, death certificates and family disputes. Can We Arrange Cremation and Services Online or by Phone? Learn what cremation arrangements you can make online or by phone, which documents you may need, and what to verify before signing or paying. How and When Will We Receive the Ashes? Learn what affects the return of ashes after cremation, how pickup and shipping work, and what to confirm with your provider before making plans.
Cremation Basics
All Cremation Basics Guides What Is Cremation? Understand what cremation means, what families receive and how it differs from a funeral. Explore ceremony choices and the first decisions to discuss. What Is Direct Cremation? Learn what direct cremation includes, which fees to check, your rights on caskets and embalming, and how to arrange a memorial afterward. Cremation vs. Burial Services Compare cremation and burial services, viewing options, cemetery requirements and itemized charges. Know what to ask before choosing a provider. Can We Have a Funeral or Memorial Service With Cremation? Yes, cremation can include a funeral or memorial service. Compare service options, planning steps, family choices and costs to ask providers about. Can We See Our Loved One or Have a Viewing Before Cremation? A viewing before cremation is often possible. Learn what to ask about private farewells, preparation, timing, provider policies and added costs. Is Embalming Required Before Cremation? Embalming usually isn't required before cremation. Learn about refrigeration, viewing policies, legal exceptions, and questions to ask before agreeing. Is a Casket Required for Cremation? A casket is not required for direct cremation. Learn about alternative containers, rental caskets, urns, your FTC rights, and questions to ask. How Long Does the Cremation Process Take? Learn why cremation time differs from the wait to receive ashes, what can delay arrangements, and which questions to ask before making memorial plans. Is Each Person Cremated Individually? Learn how individual cremation works, why one chamber differs from a whole facility, and what to ask about written policies and cremated remains. How Do Cremation Providers Keep Track of the Correct Ashes? Learn how cremation identification, custody records and urn labels work, what to ask a provider, and what to do if the paperwork does not match. What Is Aquamation? Learn how aquamation works, what families receive, how it compares with flame cremation, and what to ask about local availability and written prices. What Percentage of People Choose Cremation Now? About 63% of U.S. deaths involve cremation. Understand CANA's provisional 2025 rate, how it differs from forecasts and what the trend means for families.
Costs & Pricing
All Costs & Pricing Guides Are There Additional Charges or Hidden Fees for Cremation? Learn which cremation charges may be extra, what the FTC Funeral Rule protects, and how to ask for a written, itemized total before you pay. Veteran Cremation and Funeral Benefits Learn which veteran cremation benefits may apply, what families still pay, and how to request VA cemetery burial, reimbursement, and military honors. Cremation vs. Funeral Statistics: Rates, Costs and Choices Compare U.S. cremation and burial statistics, funeral costs and service choices. See what the latest figures measure and what they mean for your family. Cremation Financial Assistance: What Help Is Available? Find where to ask for cremation financial assistance, what eligibility checks may involve, and which application questions to settle before signing.
Planning Ahead
All Planning Ahead Guides Why Preplan Cremation? Practical Benefits of Planning Ahead Explore the benefits of preplanning cremation: record your wishes, compare providers, share useful information and keep choices current without prepaying. Cremation Preplanning Checklist Use this cremation preplanning checklist to record preferences, compare providers, check paperwork, identify unpaid items and share accessible instructions. Preplanning: Talking to Family About Cremation Wishes Find practical ways to discuss cremation wishes with family, choose a time to talk, hear concerns, handle disagreements and follow up in writing. Preplanning Cremation Costs and Pricing: Compare the Written Quote Compare preplanning cremation quotes by included services, written guarantees, exclusions and possible future balances before deciding whether to prepay. Preplanning Payment Options: Trusts, Insurance and Payment Plans Compare trust-funded and insurance-funded funeral plans, life insurance and installments. Learn who holds the money and what to check before paying. Estate Planning With a Funeral or Cremation Plan Connect your estate plan with funeral or cremation wishes. Learn what to document, who can authorize arrangements, and how to plan for payment. Can We Preplan and Prepay for Cremation? Costs, Lunch Events and Tips Can you preplan and prepay for cremation? Compare published prices, understand lunch seminars, and check guarantees, payment terms and cancellation rules. What Is a Cremation Society? Membership and Provider Questions Learn what a cremation society does, how membership differs from prepaid services or insurance, and what to check before choosing a provider.
Ashes & Memorials
All Ashes & Memorials Guides What Can We Do With the Ashes? Keep, Bury, Scatter or Share Compare ways to keep, bury, scatter or share cremation ashes, including memorial glass and jewelry, with practical questions about consent, costs and permits. Where Can You Scatter Ashes? U.S. Rules and National Resources Find official U.S. resources for scattering ashes at sea, in parks or on private land. Check permissions, location rules and EPA reporting requirements. Scattering Cremation Ashes at Sea: How It Works, U.S. Law and Resources Learn the U.S. rules for scattering cremation ashes at sea, including distance from land, EPA reporting, suitable containers and boat arrangements. Do We Need to Purchase an Urn? You usually do not need to buy a decorative urn. Learn what to ask about return containers, outside purchases, cemetery rules, sizing and travel. Parting Stone Jewelry: What the Company Offers Understand Parting Stone solidified remains, how they differ from cremation jewelry, and what to ask about ashes, cost, consent and custom settings. What Are Memorial Trees? Learn how memorial trees work, how forest donations differ from a tree you can visit, and what to ask about ashes, permission, care and replacement. What Is a Mausoleum? Learn what a mausoleum is, how crypts differ from urn niches, and what to ask about cemetery access, maintenance, contracts and fees before buying. Can You Send Cremation Ashes Into Space? Yes, a small portion of cremation ashes can travel on a memorial spaceflight. Compare destinations, verified price examples, and questions before booking. What Is a Columbarium? Cremation Niche Costs and Purchase Questions Learn what a columbarium niche holds, which costs to compare, and what to check about placement rights, urn fit, visiting access and ongoing care. Flying With Cremated Remains: Airport and Airline Checklist Check TSA screening, airline baggage policies and international paperwork before flying with cremated remains, with a practical airport checklist.
Faith & Culture
All Faith & Culture Guides What Religions Permit Cremation? Examples and Funeral Planning Compare religious views on cremation, including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist practices, with funeral planning questions. Cremation and Cultures: Planning Around Your Family's Traditions Explore cultural traditions around cremation and the questions families can ask about ceremonies, participation, timing, and remembering loved ones. Cremation Rates by Religion: What the Data Can Actually Tell Us Looking for cremation rates by religion? Learn what U.S. statistics measure, why religious teachings are not rates, and how to check a claim.