The Simplicity Plan

Things That Must Be Done
Making Informed Choices
Veterans Benefits
A Will
A Living Will Declaration
Social Security Information
Request a Planner

Making Informed Choices

Many people are confused or uncomfortable when it comes down to the basics of preplanning funeral and cemetery arrangements. This is quite normal when you consider these subjects are usually not discussed until a time of great duress. When making decisions concerning final arrangements, some terms that you may want to become more familiar with and discuss with your family include:

Traditional Burial

Traditional Burial

This term generally refers to ground burial in which the body is placed into a casket and lowered into the ground, typically surrounded by an outer burial container

Ground burial allows for personal preferences because it generally offers a variety of location choices in featured areas and designated gardens. This can also mean a great deal of flexibility where cost is concerned.

Depending upon the location chosen, a burial site may be personalized through a wide range of memorial options, such as a headstone, ground memorial, or plaque. Ground burial also allows families the option of selecting an area where family members can be together.

The above is a rather general definition, and you may have questions regarding this or other subjects. It is important that you request information so that you can make the most knowledgeable decisions possible. For additional information, click here to contact a Simplicity Plan® provider. Remember—any question you have is a worthwhile one!

Cremation

Cremation is the process by which the body is placed into a chamber of extreme heat and reduced to cremated remains (commonly referred to as ashes).

Cremation does not negate a memorial service of some kind. Just as with traditional burial, such a gathering is an important part of the grieving process for those left behind.

There are many disposition choices concerning cremated remains and memorialization:

A columbarium is an area, often found within a mausoleum, where cremation “niches” hold individual cremated remains in urns.
Cremated remains may be scattered in a designated garden or a specific location chosen by the individual or family.
Ground burial represents another option for the disposition of cremated remains, and can offer a logical solution when family members wish to be together but do not all prefer traditional burial.
Still other forms of permanent memorialization with cremation include urn gardens, memorial benches, or a private area designated by the individual or family.

Mausoleum Interment

A mausoleum is a structure allowing for aboveground interment. Within a mausoleum, there are individual spaces into which caskets are placed. Many mausoleums also have a designated area for cremated remains.

There are many different types of mausoleums. A mausoleum may be an enclosed building or a structure that is open to the outdoors. The size of a mausoleum may range from a "family" mausoleum to a very large community mausoleum.

Choosing mausoleum entombment can guarantee a prestigious environment with many different options regarding location and cost. Mausoleum options can also include choices concerning companion spaces or private family areas.

Casket

A casket is the receptacle in which the body will be housed, whether interment, or prior to or during cremation.

There are extensive casket choices available for both traditional disposition and cremation. These range in material (such as wood, bronze, and metal) and cost. Alternative containers are also available for cremation. There are also many personalization options to choose from to reflect individual lifestyles and preferences.

Urn

An urn is a decorative container into where cremated remains are placed. The urn may be placed into a burial site, enclosed in a columbarium, or even displayed in a private area.

A wide range of urn choices is available. These include urns made of various materials (for example, wood, marble, and bronze) and urns featuring different personal themes revolving around the lifestyle of the deceased. A “keepsake urn” is another type of smaller urn that can also be chosen to allow the deceased’s cremated remains to be distributed to individual friends or family members.

Memorial Service

A memorial service is an event or events held to commemorate and celebrate the life of a loved one.

As a final and unique tribute to the deceased, a memorial service, ceremony, or gathering may take place anywhere you wish. The service itself can be as traditional, personal, or as elaborate as you wish. It may include things, such as music or personal photographs, that are important to the person being remembered. Special keepsake items can also be handed out to friends and family attending the service.

Whether cremation or traditional disposition is chosen, a memorial service is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the coping process for the family and friends left behind.