The world of cremation is changing as it becomes more popular as an alternative to earth burial for those who want greater control over how they memorialize their loved one. Cremation is now the top choice for post-death arrangements in the United States, and as it grows, McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation is embracing new trends. Here are some developments in Goose Creek, SC cremation services that create a better, more user-friendly experience for the families who visit us. 

High-Tech Verification 

One of the first questions we hear from many of our families is that they want greater evidence that they’re taking the right remains home with them. That’s why we use several points of verification, starting immediately when we take custody of the body. We have the family member identify the decedent, then input the relevant info into our computer’s database. Finally, we use fire-proof tags to ensure that the right identification stays matched after cremation. 

Green Options 

Many of our clients are concerned about the impact of cremation on the environment, and seek to offset it with their other choices. A popular and unique option is a biodegradable urn, designed to be planted and grow into a tree as the urn dissolves and releases the seeds embedded within. Coral balls are an ocean-burial option that is designed in such a way that it encourages coral and other stationary sea life to attach to the vessel. 

Also gaining in popularity is the Aquamation, which uses a natural alkaline solution to dissolve the remains in a process that simulates a sped-up natural decay, eliminating the need for a cremator. 

Full Memorials 

Cremation used to be seen as a quick option that eschewed the bells and whistles of a full funeral, but that’s changing as many clients want the best of both worlds. When you work with us, you can choose a basic cremation or a cremation package that includes full use of our facilities and amenities like visitation. This allows you to put on a personalized celebration of life as memorable as any burial before or after the cremation. 

Unique Uses for Remains 

The most common place for ashes post-cremation is still an ornate urn that takes a place of pride on the mantle, but we offer many other options. These include smaller urns or vials that make it easy to divide the remains among loved ones. We can also arrange with third-party companies to have the ashes transformed into something meaningful, including diamonds or ink for painting or writing. 

Scattering Ceremonies 

If you’re choosing basic cremation, that doesn’t mean that a memorable service isn’t in the cards. Many of our clients take the ashes home and then put together a ceremony for friends and family later, often centered around the scattering of the ashes at a meaningful location. We offer a variety of scattering urns that make it easier to disperse the remains without spilling them as part of our extensive product line. 

Our funeral director and staff are learning and evolving by the day, and we’re ready to serve anyone who is seeking cremation services in Goose Creek, SC. Reach out today to set up a consultation in person or by phone.