Are you considering cremation as an alternative to burial, either for a memorial service or for pre-planned services? Goose Creek, SC cremation services are offering more options than ever to create a personalized and meaningful celebration of life. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common questions about cremation and how McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation can help. 

Can I Pair Cremation With a Funeral? 

Many of our clients want to hold a full memorial service before or after the body is cremated. We make this possible with our cremation and memorial packages. You can choose between having the body displayed for a memorial service followed by a private cremation, or direct cremation followed by a memorial service. In either option, the family of the deceased will receive the ashes after the service unless they choose otherwise. 

What If I Want to Inter Cremation Ashes? 

If you own a family plot or crypt but opt for cremation for a family member, that doesn’t mean they have to be separated from the rest of the family. If you choose a burial container for the ashes, they can be interred underground or in an above-ground mausoleum. This will take a smaller space and can be marked by a headstone or marker same as any other gravesite. 

How Long Does Cremation Take? 

Cremation is performed in a high-powered industrial oven called a cremator, that heats up to 1,800 degrees fahrenheit. This will reduce a standard-sized human body to ashes in only forty-five minutes. The process varies based on the size of the deceased, but our cremators can be adjusted to ensure a safe and speedy process. 

Do I Need a Casket for the Service? 

No, if you’re choosing cremation services you won’t need to rent a casket. Post-cremation memorial services will display the urn at the center of the room if you wish. If you choose a pre-cremation memorial service, you can rent a house casket to display the deceased for visitation and the service. 

What Are My Options for the Ashes? 

With every cremation, you’ll receive a basic cremation urn that will keep the ashes secure and is ideal for those who want to scatter them. We also offer a wide variety of decorative urns ranging from solid classics to modern and artistic. These can be personalized with inscriptions. For those who want to divide the ashes among multiple people, we offer smaller urns or vials and jewelry that can be carried on the person. 

What Do I Need to Know About Scattering Ashes? 

Bone ash is safe and sterile, and the high heat of the cremator eliminates any other organic matter, so it’s safe and legal to sprinkle ashes in any public location. Scatterings in private locations can be arranged with the consent of the property owner. For those who want to hold a private memorial service followed by a scattering of the ashes, we offer our direct cremation service with no additional costs. 

If you’re considering cremation services in Goose Creek, SC, the first step is to set up a consultation with McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation. Visit us at our offices at 869 St. James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445, or contact us on our website or by phone at (843) 553-1511. We can also be found at our Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, and James Island locations.