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Cremations in Miami Beach, FL
Cremation FAQs From your Trusted miami Beach, FL Crematory
Death is one of life’s difficult dealings. There is no one way to grieve. There is no one way to honor someone’s life after they are passed. At Ferdinand Funeral Homes & Crematory, we have spent years supporting families and loved one through the intimate process of choosing post-death options for the deceased with the highest level of grace and tact.
Here in Miami Beach—and throughout the country—more and more families are opting out of traditional burials and opting in to cremation services. In fact, a recent poll of Americans shows that roughly 40% of all deaths now result in cremation—a significant jump from the 1980s when the number was below 5%. And, in the next 15-20 years, the percentage is believed to approach 60%, according to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA).
The staff here at Ferdinand is a team of experienced and passionate professionals in cremation services. Over the years, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions surrounding this topic to help you decide if this form of final body disposition is the right choice for you or someone you love.
What is cremation?
Cremation refers specifically to the final disposition of the physical remains of the deceased. During cremation, the body is burned and vaporized at high temperatures until only ashes are left—specifically from the bones.
Why the exponential increase in cremation services?
The increase in the cremation option is being driven in part by a few different factors, namely: cremation’s lower cost (in comparison with traditional burials and mausoleums), the fact that fewer extended families are rooted in the same hometowns (or even geographic regions, in many cases), environmental factors and consideration, and the flexibility in service options (due to extended time to plan).
Are cremation services affordable?
Yes, particularly in comparison to burial costs. The casketed burial, following traditional options involving a viewing which requires storage of the body, embalmment, makeup, etc., can be costly. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the national average cost of a funeral is approaching $7,000—not including the cemetery plot and headstone or grave marker, while cremation services run thousands of dollars less.
What type of services can I choose with cremation for my loved one?
That is completely up to you—unless otherwise noted in a pre-plan. Typically, services are held at a funeral home or place of worship, but can be at an off-site location special to the deceased or the family, even at home. There are no limits placed on memorial or funeral services just because the deceased or his/her family has opted for cremation. Cremation is not a substitute for a funeral; it is an alternative to ground burial or entombment. Ask our staff how we can assist you with combining cremation with funeral or memorial services.
Can our family still have a visitation period if cremation is chosen?
Absolutely. Cremation only refers to the final disposition of the body.
My religious customs include witnessing the cremation—does Ferdinand allow this?
Yes, for a small fee. Our state-of-the-art cremation facility is designed to allow family and loved ones to be present, if desired, when the body is placed in the chamber. For some, witnessing this final process is an enormous step in the grieving process; our staff is pleased to offer this option.
Can two cremations be performed at one time?
No. Not only are most modern cremation chambers too small to allow space for more than one adult, cremating two individuals at the same time and in the same chamber is illegal. Laws surrounding this process are in place to protect the integrity of the remains and ensure you receive back into your possession the true ashes of your loved one.
How is cremation considered better for the environment?
Being “green” these days truly rests in the eye of the beholder. However, a traditional funeral generally involves the use of formaldehyde-based embalming fluid and, if a ground burial is chosen, the need for a plot of land. For some families (and individuals pre-planning their personal post-death instructions), this is a significant encouragement to consider cremation.
How can I be sure to choose a reputable facility to handle my loved one’s cremation?
Do your research. Check the qualifications of the staff, the longevity of the business, and the specific processes they use there to ensure proper running of the crematorium and identification of the deceased. In-house cremation services are a plus, as this means your loved one’s body is never transported elsewhere for handling.
At Ferdinand Funeral Homes & Crematory, we want to honor your wishes to assist you with your loved one’s cremation and final arrangements. Our services are multi-faceted and include grief counseling, support in the year to follow your loss, and so much more. Please give us a call—it will be our honor to serve your family during life’s most difficult time.
