Cremation Terminology Explained for Residents in Charleston, WV

Are you considering cremation, but you don’t know where to start? If you aren’t familiar with this service, then it can be overwhelming to hear unfamiliar terminology. At Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home & Crematorium, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to plan funeral services in Charleston, WV. So, we are happy to answer your questions and simplify the process of planning cremations or funerals.

Here are a few answers to help you navigate the conversation about cremation planning:

• Cremation: The cremation service is the way the body is treated after death. Cremation uses high heat to reduce the body to bone fragments. Then, those bone fragments can be placed in an urn or temporary container.
• Urn: A small container designed to hold cremated ashes. You will find a variety of styles and designs. Families can choose a decorative urn to use as a memorial. Or, some people choose a basic container if it will be used
• Scattering: One option to lay the ashes to rest is by scattering them in a location of your choice. Families often look for a place with special meaning, giving survivors a heart-warming place to visit when they want to remember the person they have lost. Ashes can be scattered over water or land. Your funeral director will help you evaluate local laws to ensure the legality of the location of choice.
• Viewing: You can choose an open-casket viewing before the cremation if you prefer. The body will be prepared and then placed in a casket. Friends and family members can visit the funeral home to view the person. Then, the cremation will be complete after the viewing and funeral are over.
• Funeral: If you choose cremation, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a funeral service. Many people use the term “funeral” to refer to a wide range of services. But, a funeral is a meeting to commemorate the life of someone who has passed away. Usually, the body is present, in an open or closed casket.
• Memorial: A memorial is similar to a funeral, but it often a gathering without the body present. For example, you might have the body cremated, then schedule a memorial after the cremation is complete.
• Celebration of Life: Some families don’t want to have a formal gathering. So, they plan a celebration instead to remember the life that has been lost. A Celebration of Life is a unique event that can be planned in any way that you imagine. Often, food and other activities are scheduled to match the person’s hobbies and preferences.

It is important that you choose funeral services to match the preferences if your family. If you need more information about cremations in Charleston, WV, then you can talk to us at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home & Crematorium. We offer a range of options to match your custom plans. Come to our funeral home at 1118 Virginia St E Charleston, WV 25301. Or, call if you need more information about cremations: (304) 342-81351