Westchester Funeral Home

Planning a Cremation Service

If you choose to have your loved one cremated, please remember that you can still have the body present for viewing before the cremation. Many families do not know this option exists and do not get the needed closure to be on their path to healing. You will then need to decide if you would like the cremated remains scattered or kept in an urn or other keepsake. If you're still debating burial vs cremation call us 914-337-4585 we're here to help.

• Cremation Planning Checklist • 

Before the Cremation Decision is Made

1. Learn about your cremation options. Review the cremation information found on our website. As well as our information on cremation vs burial

2. Engage your family in a discussion. We urge you to bring your family into the conversation to get a better idea about how they feel about cremation and what they would prefer.

3. Speak with a funeral professional. If there are any questions or concerns, please turn to us for the insights you may need at this point.

4. Document your cremation intentions in writing. There are a number of forms we can provide to take this step. Call us at (914) 337-4585 to learn more.

5. Arrange for the transportation of your loved one's physical remains.We can escort them to our facility or directly to the crematory.

After Deciding on Cremation

6. Consider what kind of ceremony you would like to have. You can plan for a traditional funeral followed by the cremation or delay the ceremony until you have the time to plan a memorial service, celebration-of-life, or scattering ceremony.

7. Ask for assistance from your family and friends. When making plans for a meaningful event, encourage everyone to get involved. Ask them to gather family photos, write down the stories they'd like to share, and talk to them about the best location for the event. If you would like a eulogy, this is the time to ask someone special to take on that task.

8. Select the music, prayers, or other readings. You don't have to have any of these things but you should decide exactly what you and your guests will do at this event. There are endless possibilities.

9. Contact guests well ahead of time. This is especially important if they will need to travel or request time off from work.

10. Decide what will be done with the cremated remains. Commonly the urn is a visual focal point of a celebration-of-life. Will you then take it home? Will the scattering of ashes be a part of the event? You may want to purchase keepsake urns for family members.

Other Things to Consider When Planning a Cremation

There are some additional things you may wish to consider, such as:
  1. Is there a special set of clothes (such as a military uniform or favorite dress) your loved one would appreciate the thought of wearing? This will be a focus of the cremation arrangement conversation, and you will be advised by your funeral director as to your best options regarding jewelry or other valuable personal items.
  2. Are there any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation casket? Perhaps there's a special memento, such as a treasured photograph or letter? We sometimes suggest family members write cards, notes or letters to their deceased loved one, and place them in the casket prior to the cremation.
  3. Would you or other family members like to be present for–or participate to some degree in–your loved one's cremation? Because we know how healing it can be to take part in an act of "letting go", we welcome the opportunity to bring interested family or friends into the crematory. Please discuss your desire to participate with your funeral director.
  4. What will you keep the cremated remains or ashes in after the cremation or the service? Many families are simply unaware that they can purchase a cremation urn to be placed in a special place such as the family home. We offer a large selection of urns that will help memorialize your loved one. Ask one of our caring funeral director's to see the wide variety of urns.
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