Cremation in 2025: The Goodbye That’s a Little Different

Ever wonder why more and more people are choosing cremation over a burial service? Maybe it’s the flexibility, the lower costs, or for some, it’s the spiritual connection—a final passing from this existence to another life. Or perhaps it’s the idea of a simpler, more personal farewell. But if you’re here, chances are you’re looking for something more—a way to break free from the traditional mold and say goodbye in a way that truly reflects who you are.

We’re not your average funeral advisors. We’re advocates for your rights and your voice, especially for our LGBTQ+ community that has fought hard to demand respect. Deadnaming? Never. Being bossed around by a funeral director? Not on our watch. You deserve a farewell that’s as unique and bold as you’ve been in life, and we’re here to make sure that happens.

In this article, we’ll dive into what cremation really involves, explore the cremation process, and give you some creative ideas on how to make it a truly memorable farewell—one that’s entirely on your terms. Whether you’re planning ahead or making decisions in the moment, understanding your options can make all the difference. Let’s get into it!

Too Long; Didn’t Read: Cremation

1. Cremation: Cremation offers flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and a range of creative possibilities to honor a loved one in a unique way.
2. Process: The cremation process involves reducing the body to ashes using high heat, with many options for how to keep or memorialize those ashes.
3. Alternatives: Alternatives to traditional cremation include water cremation, memorial reefs, and even space burials.
4. Planning: Planning ahead is crucial for making the cremation process smooth and personalized, with resources available to help you every step of the way.

What is Cremation?

Cremation is a process that uses high heat in a cremation chamber to reduce the body to bone fragments, which are then carefully processed into fine ashes. It’s straightforward, yes, but what makes cremation stand out is the flexibility and cost.

The ashes, also known as cremains, can be kept in just about any kind of memorial container you can think of—even something as personal as a large glass bottle of their favorite fragrance. Imagine a collection of ceramic sculptures, carved wooden boxes, smooth marble containers, or colorful glass vases—the possibilities are endless. We’d love for you to visit an art shop and pick out an art piece that feels right, something that holds the ashes in a way that’s truly special to you.

And it doesn’t stop there. I know a ceramicist who creates custom pieces specifically for this purpose. Recently, they crafted a set of three flying birds to hang on a wall, each containing a loved one’s ashes inside. It’s a beautiful blend of art and memory. And if you’re looking for something even more personal, consider the jewelry that’s designed to carry ashes—an elegant way to keep your loved one close. Or, if you’re the creative type, you might want to mix their ashes into resin and create something yourself.

For those who love tattoos, why not incorporate some of the ashes into the ink before getting a lifelong memento tattooed on your body? The beauty of cremation lies in its versatility and the endless possibilities it offers for personalization and creativity.

The Cremation Process: What Really Happens?

You might be curious—or even a bit nervous—about what actually happens during cremation. It’s completely natural to wonder, and understanding the process can help ease any concerns.

The process begins with preparing the body, and this can be as simple or as personalized as you wish. Some families choose to dress their loved one in favorite clothes, while others find comfort in something as simple as wrapping them in a cherished blanket. It’s all about what feels right to you.

Once the body is ready, it’s placed in a cremation container, typically made of wood or cardboard, and then moved to the cremation chamber. The cremation chamber is a specially designed furnace where temperatures reach between 1,400 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Over a period of about two to three hours, the intense heat reduces the body to bone fragments. These fragments are then carefully processed into fine ashes, which are returned to the family.

The cremation process is not only efficient, but it also offers a level of simplicity and control that many find comforting during a difficult time. For those who wish, it’s often possible to witness the beginning of the cremation process, providing a sense of closure and participation.

Why Choose Cremation?

So, why do people choose cremation over a traditional funeral service? There are a few key reasons, and it often comes down to personal preference, cost, and flexibility.

1. Cost-Effective

   • Cremation is generally less expensive than a traditional funeral service, which can involve costs for the casket, burial plot, and headstone. Depending on your choices, cremation can save you a significant amount of money, giving you the freedom to create whatever kind of ceremony feels right. A direct cremation can cost as little as $700 and doesn’t prevent you from hosting a farewell before the cremation or afterward. It’s all on your terms!

2. Flexibility

   • Cremation offers more options for memorialization. You can hold a traditional funeral service before the cremation, or you can opt for a memorial service afterward, with or without the ashes present. The ability to separate the timing of the cremation from the memorial service allows you to plan any celebration, anywhere! If gathering on top of a hill at dawn or sunset to sing a farewell sounds perfect, go for it.

3. Environmental Considerations

   • Standard cremation isn’t exactly gentle on our planet—it releases the equivalent of a car driving 600 miles. But there are greener options, like water cremation, which is gaining popularity in the United States. As of 2021, it’s legal in 21 states. Water cremation, also known as aquamation, uses water instead of fire to reduce the body. It’s available in places like Riverview Cemetery in Portland and is considered a gentler, more environmentally conscious choice. It produces fewer emissions, conserves energy, and costs about $1,000 more than traditional cremation, but for many, the environmental benefits are worth it.

Planning a Cremation

If you’re considering cremation, it’s wise to plan ahead whenever possible. Pre-planning not only allows you to make financial arrangements and lock in prices but also spares your family the burden of making difficult decisions during an emotional time. Here’s a comprehensive guide from the Cremation Society of America to help you get started with pre-planning, covering everything from cost estimates to the types of services available.

And remember, there’s so much freedom in arranging a send-off when you’re honoring someone’s ashes. It’s an opportunity to create something that truly reflects their life and values, without being bound by traditional norms. For additional inspiration and resources, visit VitaViola.com for personalized planning tools and support.

The Cost of Cremation

One of the most appealing aspects of cremation is the cost. On average, a cremation can range from $700 for a direct cremation (which means no ceremony, just the cremation itself) to around $4,000 if you decide to include a memorial service or other add-ons. This is a far cry from the average cost of a traditional funeral service, which can easily exceed $10,000.

Here’s a quick breakdown of potential costs:

• Direct Cremation: $700 – $2,000

• Cremation with Memorial Service: $2,000 – $4,000

• Traditional Funeral with Cremation: $6,000 – $10,000+

As with any service, prices can vary depending on where you are and the specific services you choose. That’s why it’s always a good idea to shop around and ask for detailed price lists from cremation providers. Understanding the costs upfront allows you to make informed decisions that align with your budget and your loved one’s wishes.

Alternatives to Traditional Cremation

If you’re looking for something even more unique, there are alternatives to traditional cremation that might catch your interest:

1. Water Cremation

   • Also known as aquamation, this process uses water and alkaline solutions to break down the body, leaving behind only bones, which are then processed into ashes. It’s considered a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional cremation, as it consumes less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gases. Water cremation is gaining popularity as a greener alternative that aligns with eco-conscious values.

2. Memorial Reefs

   • If your loved one had a special connection to the ocean, you might consider having their ashes incorporated into a memorial reef. These artificial reefs provide a habitat for marine life and offer a unique way to honor someone who loved the sea. Memorial reefs create a living legacy that supports marine ecosystems, with various locations available along the West Coast and throughout the U.S. You can explore more options and find a location that works for you here.

3. Space Burial

   • For the truly adventurous, there’s the option to send a portion of your loved one’s ashes into space! Celestis offers services like the Earth Orbit Service, where ashes are placed into orbit and eventually re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere, burning up like a shooting star. Alternatively, the Earth Rise Service sends ashes on a suborbital flight into space and then returns them to Earth. Whether your loved one dreamed of exploring the stars or simply had a deep connection to the cosmos, a space burial offers a truly awe-inspiring way to commemorate their life. You can explore these and other options here.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to cremation, the choice is yours. Whether it’s the cost, the environmental benefits, or the freedom to get creative that draws you in, what really matters is that it feels right for you and your family.

We’ve talked about the process, explored some unique alternatives like water cremation, memorial reefs, and even sending ashes into space, and touched on how planning ahead can make things easier down the road. But here’s the bottom line—this is your call. There’s no one way to say goodbye, so do what feels right. It’s about what resonates with you, what feels meaningful, and what reflects the life you’re honoring.

Take your time. Explore your options. Do what feels comfortable. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box. After all, Hunter S. Thompson had his ashes blown out of a cannon in front of his friends and family—because that’s what felt right for him. This is your chance to create something that’s truly personal.

And remember, we’re here to support you. You’ll find plenty of resources and inspiration on the VitaViola blog to help you along the way. We’re committed to helping you craft a farewell that’s as unique and special as the person you’re celebrating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Cremation

1. What exactly happens during the cremation process?
During cremation, the body is placed in a cremation chamber where high heat reduces it to bone fragments. These fragments are then processed into fine ashes, which are returned to the family in an urn or other chosen container.

2. How much does cremation cost?
The cost of cremation varies depending on the services chosen. Direct cremation, without any additional ceremonies, can cost as little as $700. A cremation with a memorial service can range from $2,000 to $4,000, while a traditional funeral with cremation can exceed $6,000.

3. Are there environmentally friendly cremation options?
Yes, water cremation, also known as aquamation, is an environmentally friendly alternative that uses water and alkaline solutions instead of fire, resulting in fewer emissions and less energy consumption.

4. Can I still have a memorial service if I choose cremation?
Absolutely. Cremation offers flexibility in planning a memorial service. You can hold a traditional service before the cremation, or a memorial service afterward, with or without the ashes present.

5. What can I do with the ashes after cremation?
The ashes can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, incorporated into jewelry, turned into a memorial reef, or even sent into space. The possibilities for memorializing your loved one are virtually endless.