How to Let Others Know You’ve Chosen to Cremate a Loved One

It can be a daunting task if you’re asked to plan the body disposition of a loved one. You’ll have to choose between funeral services or cremation services in Anna, OH. If your family has traditionally gone with funeral services in a church or funeral home chapel, then it could cause waves if you let them know that you’ve selected cremation for a deceased loved one. Getting a consensus is not always easy or even possible since some people may be set in their ways. But you’ll get the final call if you’re the one who’s responsible for planning final services.  

Here are some recommendations to help you inform your family and friends should you choose cremation as the body disposition for a deceased relative.  

Let Them Know Right Away 

The first thing you need to do is to let your family know as soon as possible. This is especially the case if you’re reasonably certain that some of your loved ones will have reservations about your decision to go with cremation over a funeral. But this is the sort of thing that you should communicate to your family. Be prepared for their questions, but be firm in your decision. If you want to make it easier for them to accept your choice, you might want to add a funeral service and/or a memorial service. This will at least provide the opportunity for a formal service.  

Be Upfront 

If you’re going to be the bearer of what the hearers might term bad news, it’s best to simply be upfront. Don’t visit them or get them on the phone and go on and on about something entirely unrelated to the real reason for your visit or phone call. What you want is to exchange pleasantries, tell them that you have something important to share with them, and then explain that you’ve chosen to cremate rather than to bury a relative who has died. Again, be prepared for questions. You can let them know why you decided to go a specific route.   

Give the News in Person 

In a best-case scenario, you will tell your family of your decision in person. It’s always best to deliver important news face-to-face if you can. This is not always possible, of course, since you may not live anywhere near some of the family members you want to talk to. You may have to resort to a simple phone call. When you get them on the phone, approach the issue the way you would if you were with them in person. This means you should exchange pleasantries, let them know you have something important to share with them, and then explain the body disposition.    

Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, a provider of funeral and cremation services in Anna, OH, is here to help you plan final services. We specialize in helping families who are grieving the loss of a loved one to plan final services. You can stop by and see us at 1102 Lincoln Ave, Wapakoneta, OH 45895 or you can call us at (419) 738-7676 for a free consultation when you’re ready to talk. We’re here to help.