Cremation is a very personal choice. You must determine what form of preparation for final disposition you desire. Cremation is a process used to prepare the human body for memorialization. Knowing your options will help make painful decisions during a very stressful and emotional time much easier.

Many believe that if you choose cremation, you are limited to a very simple service or no service at all. Cremation is not intended to replace the elements of of the traditional funeral which may include any or all of the following: a service or ceremony at a church, funeral home chapel, lodge or other location; a visitation, viewing of the body, wake and graveside service. It is simply an alternative to non-cremation earth burial or entombment of the body of the deceased.

Like non-cremation earth burial or entombment, the expense of a cremation can vary greatly depending on your choice of services, final disposition, cremation container, cremation casket and urn selection. Also, a Final Farewell viewing can be arranged at the funeral home prior to cremation for a nominal fee. Your funeral director will discuss all of your options and costs with you.

Your funeral director will also explain state and legal requirements pertaining to the cremation authorization form. Understanding these requirements is of the utmost importance. Please be sure and ask any questions you may have relating to any of the financial or legal requirements.

Choosing cremation neither eliminates nor does it require a funeral service. Traditional or contemporary services are often planned before or after the cremation process. A funeral service followed by cremation may be exactly the same as a funeral service followed by ground burial. They can be elaborate or simple and traditional or nontraditional. Arrangements and ceremonies tend to be as individual as the persons for whom and by whom they are made.They may be personalized specifically to reflect the life of the deceased, and thus have a special meaning. Green Funeral Home is able to assist in any and all of your Funeral Service needs. To obtain more information on funeral services call (412) 461-6394. 

The Complete Cremation Service will be just like a Complete Funeral Service except cremation will follow instead of the casketed burial. This can be accommodated by the use of a cremation casket (casket that is designed to be cremated) or the use of a rental casket. Following the viewing, service or ceremony, and eventual cremation, the cremated remains can be buried, properly scattered, or returned to the family for safe keeping. Urns are used to hold the cremated remains. Urns can be constructed out of basic materials like cardboard or plastic, or constructed out of more protective materials like basic and semi-precious metals, ceramics, and woods. 

The Immediate Cremation Service can be arranged as an immediate disposition of the body, but is most times followed by a memorial service at the church, funeral home or other location. A Memorial Service is one where the body is not present. We recommend that if you select an immediate cremation that you are allowed a time, if possible, to privately view the body as a family. If the viewing can be done in a matter of a few hours after the death then embalming will not be necessary. If there is to be a long delay (more than 8-12 hours) then embalming would be encouraged. If the viewing could not be done within 48 hours then embalming may be required. Viewing of the deceased is a very important step in acknowledging that the death has occurred. Having some type of service or ceremony is also a key ingredient to a healthy recovery of a loss due to a death. 
A Direct Cremation refers to a cremation being provided, while limiting funeral services to the removal and transportation of the deceased into our care. 

Memorialization provides a permanent, secure place for cremated remains to be placed, and for family members and descendants to honor the lives of the deceased. 
Cremation allows families many choices for memorializing a loved one. Some families choose to keep the cremated remains with them at home, or to scatter the remains over land or water. Green Funeral Home allows the following memorialization options, among others, for cremated remains: 

Outdoor Niches – The cremated remains of your loved ones may be safely held in one of our many above ground columbarium niches. 
Scattering – Your loved one’s remains may be scattered freely within a dedicated, natural environment. There are also certain services which offer scattering among the sea or the stars. 

Traditional Burial – In ground burial on a family plot – Urns may be buried at the head or foot of a grave site. 
Personalized Memorialization – Inscribe your family member’s name and a special saying on a tree plaque, park bench or other special memorial. We also have custom, unique urns and keepsakes, perfect for displaying inside your home. For an overview of these items,contact us directly and we will help you with your needs.