Types of Cremations in St. Petersburg, FL

Best Care Cremation is a warmhearted cremation service provider in St. Petersburg, FL. We are a client-centric, locally owned and independently operated, cremation service. We are proud to offer a variety of cremation plans throughout the community. Our expert staff is trained and licensed to assist you with every detail by phone, in your home, at our office, or by video conference. Call us today for your cremation needs at (727) 500-1707 or visit us at 15381 Roosevelt Blvd Clearwater, FL 33760.

Cremations can be arranged with a personal touch that honors the dead and supports the bereaved. Affordable options are expanding for cremations in St. Petersburg, FL, through Best Care Cremation services. These differing types of services help to meet the unique needs of our clients and their families while keeping costs minimal.

A direct cremation (often called a “simple cremation”) refers to cremation services that do not include public honoring ceremonies. For very private individuals, this is often a preferred choice. It can be essential to remember that grieving loved ones may benefit from holding even a tiny remembrance service, though they need not do so in a public way. That is why we offer direct cremation with a brief goodbye. This service is limited to 5 attendees and can be up to 20 minutes long.

Others will choose to hold a memorial service with the cremation. This provides a gathering opportunity for loved ones and dear friends to comfort each other and honor the departed. Without needing to have the body physically present, this service can be held soon after the death or even months in the future.

Many people are pleasantly surprised to learn that cremation does not exclude the possibility of a full funeral service. There are several ways to handle this. The body can be embalmed, and a funeral wake can be held before the actual funeral service. If this occurs, the body is laid within a clean rental casket. After the funeral, the body is taken to the crematorium rather than a cemetery.

The industry experts at Best Care Cremation can assist with any of these options you deem to be appropriate. Staff is hired not only because they are licensed and trained in these processes but also because they have the qualities of respect, compassion, and are detail-oriented in their work. Caring for the deceased is a work of great importance. Caring for those who are grieving such a significant loss is equally important to us.

Primary Types of Cremations in St. Petersburg, FL

Best Care Cremation offers various cremation service options in St. Petersburg, Florida, each designed to meet specific preferences and needs. Here’s a detailed look at the primary types:

 

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation, often referred to as “simple cremation,” is a straightforward process that does not include a formal service or ceremony. This option is ideal for those who want a no-fuss approach and is among the most affordable choices available. In some cases, cremation providers allow for a private farewell, accommodating a small group of close family members (up to five people) to say their final goodbyes in a quiet, intimate setting before the cremation.

 

Prepaid Cremation

Prepaid cremation plans are increasingly popular among individuals planning their end-of-life arrangements in advance. By opting for a prepaid plan, individuals lock in today’s rates and relieve family members from the emotional and financial burdens of last-minute planning. These plans typically allow clients to meet with knowledgeable staff who can help guide them through available options and create a custom plan that aligns with their preferences. With flexible payment plans, prepaid cremation can be tailored to fit different financial situations.

 

Full-Service Cremation

For families seeking a more traditional experience, a full-service cremation offers a comprehensive package, including the cremation itself along with additional elements like a viewing, visitation, or religious ceremony. This approach provides a respectful setting for friends and family to come together, pay their respects, and honor their loved one’s memory. Full-service cremations can often be customized to accommodate specific cultural or religious practices, giving families a more meaningful experience.

 

Memorial Service with Cremation

A memorial service with cremation allows families to hold a remembrance gathering at any point after the cremation. Since the body is not present, this type of service offers flexibility for scheduling and can be held in various locations, from funeral homes to outdoor settings or even at home. Memorial services with cremation are a valuable option for families who may be spread across distances, allowing them the time to coordinate and arrange travel.

The Secure Process for Cremations in St. Petersburg, FL

Services for cremations are regulated by law. There are certain things that cannot be performed in any other manner than those set forth. One example of this is the number of individuals who can be cremated at a time in one chamber. The answer is (as you might hope) only one deceased person may be cremated in the chamber at any given time. Our facility has taken steps to ensure that this process is very secure and safeguards against human error.

 

In general, cremation is performed following these steps, though differing facilities may have slight adjustments to the process.

• The appropriate paperwork, permits, and waiting periods are fulfilled.
• Strict identification protocols ensure the right person is being cremated at the right time.
• The body is placed in a cremation receptacle for privacy as it is being handled.
• The receptacle containing the body is carefully put into the cremation furnace chamber.
• After securely locking the chamber, extreme heat is turned up.
• All of the contents within the chamber are consumed within a few hours.
• After cooling, magnets scan the remaining elements to collect any foreign metal hardware that may have been left in the body.
• All residual particles and bone fragments are collected and processed for consistency in texture.
• These “cremains” or “ashes” are containerized and returned to the family or next of kin.

Memorializing Cremated Remains

After cremations in St. Petersburg, FL, it is vital to consider what you want to do with the cremains. Fortunately, there are many options, including some very creative ones. Here are a few:

 

Scattered Ashes: A favored natural setting, a cremation garden at a local cemetery, or another special place might all have appeal. For public or private property, you need to have permission and understand any rules for this procedure. Think about who will want to attend the scattering ceremony and if all will be able to access the place.

 

Urns: A container that is designed to hold the cremated remains securely is called an urn. Multiple urns may be ordered if the final remains will be split between more than one location.

 

Cremation Jewelry: These customizable jewelry accessories have secure compartments to hold a small amount of cremains. Having this small memento can bring comfort and a sense of being close to the loved one who has passed away.

 

Buried Ashes: Ashes can also be buried in most cemeteries.

 

Unusual Solutions: Final cremated remains could be buried with a long-term planting such as a tree. Water monuments created with cremains and cement can act as a “coral reef.” We’ve even heard of fireworks that have been packaged along with cremains to be launched for a celebration to remember.

 

It’s no surprise that Americans are increasingly choosing to be cremated, with nearly half the country going this route. In 1960 only 3.5% of people in America had chosen it as their end-of life wish compared to today when over 70%.

Why Choose Cremation Over Burial?

Affordability

Cremation is a less expensive alternative to burial. Of course, costs will highly depend on whether you choose to hold an event for yourself or your loved one–a cremation ceremony can still be held in conjunction with any kind of religious or secular observance that suits your taste and beliefs!

 

Flexible Service Options

Funerals are a traditional way to celebrate the life of someone who has passed away. The process usually begins with embalming, which temporarily slows down decomposition so family members can arrange for burial services within ten days at most- though in some cases it may be longer if there’s no funeral home available or time is needed to make preparations beforehand.

 

Creative

People are adapting to the change in funeral trends. More and more people these days, especially those living outside of traditional religious communities like Catholics or Jews for instance find themselves without peers who share their same faith; some even say that they don’t want any religious ceremony at all! However you look at it – secularization has caused an increased demand on customized final arrangements which cremation allows because of this variety (including urns with different engravings).

 

Convenience

Planning a funeral is not an easy process, and you can avoid all that trouble by opting for cremation instead.

 

Efficiency

Cremation is better because it’s much more efficient. If you ask most people why, the answer would be that cremating someone just eliminates their need for all these arrangements and files to sign-it’s quicker than traditional burials or funeral services!

Learn More

When planning for cremations in St. Petersburg, FL, please come see us at Best Care Cremation 15381 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760. We welcome your call to answer any of your questions at (727) 500-1707.

Cremations FAQ: Key Information

Can You Have a Cremation Without a Service?

Yes, this option is called direct cremation. It skips traditional ceremonies, focusing solely on cremation. It’s a simple, dignified choice that allows families to arrange private memorials later, with about 38% of U.S. families choosing this method.

What Happens at a Cremation Service?

A cremation service is similar to traditional funerals but centers on the cremation process. Key steps include:

Coffin Preparation:

The coffin is placed on a catafalque and moved in by pallbearers or wheeled.

Service:

Led by an officiant, the ceremony may include readings, eulogies, and music.

Committal:

The coffin is moved to the cremation chamber in a ceremonial farewell.

Cremation:

The coffin is cremated intact, without exposure to flames, typically taking 90 minutes to two hours.

Why Do Funerals Have Open Caskets?

Open caskets provide comfort and closure, helping mourners process loss. Reasons include:

Emotional Comfort:

Seeing the deceased helps with acceptance and healing.

Closure:

Allows for a final goodbye.

Tradition & Spiritual Significance:

Many cultures and faiths embrace open caskets for their deeper meaning.

 

While meaningful, open caskets may not suit everyone, especially in cases involving traumatic deaths or for families with young children.