No regrets: Get the right cremation
There is no room for regret when fulfilling your loved one’s final wishes.
Unfortunately, there have been many families who have suffered the heartache that stems from choosing the wrong cremation provider. The effects of even the smallest mistake can be devastating and cannot be undone.
When deciding on a funeral director, information, knowledge, and diligence are your best allies. eziFunerals recommends you consider the following guidance before making your decision.
Don’t assume that all cremation providers are the same
Just because funeral homes advertise cremation, does not mean that you will receive the same level of service. Do they follow a code of ethics? How can you be sure the cremated remains you receive are those of your loved one? Avoid heartache and regret by taking the time to ask questions and learn more about the cremation process.
Don’t make your decisions based on price alone
Understandably, we are all price-conscious today, and new online companies are spending lots of money on advertising cheap cremation services. However, making decisions based on price — and price alone — can lead to regret later on. What’s behind that low price? What does it include, and more importantly, what’s being left out?
When a funeral director cuts corners, it leaves a lot of room for mistakes to happen. Don’t just look at the bottom line; look for the quality and service you’ll receive for the cost.
Make sure they quote you the complete cost
Some funeral directors may quote you a low price, only for you to find out later that not all the costs of cremation were included. Make sure they quote you all the costs, including transfer of the deceased to the funeral home, professional service fees, care of the deceased, and cremation.
Don’t underestimate the importance of face-to-face contact
New online funeral companies get you to purchase a cheap cremation online or by phone and this has our alarm bells ringing. Don’t overlook the value of personal contact when deciding on a cremation provider.
Before you entrust your loved one into someone else’s care, be sure to schedule a face-to-face visit to meet the staff and inspect the facility. Things to look out for. Is the funeral home clean? Well-organized? Do they take the time to explain the process to you? An in-person visit and inspection can help make you feel more confident about your decisions.
Remember to ask about guarantees
The cremation itself is an important, emotional event that has to be done right the first time. When a cremation provider truly believes in the services they provide, they will offer some sort of guarantee. Be sure to ask if your cremation provider offers one and have them explain it to you in detail.
Don’t overlook the importance of a gathering or memorialisation
While direct cremation (a cremation without a service), is an option that some families choose to take, many people later regret the decision. That’s because holding a gathering or service allows both family and friends an opportunity to express their grief, share their memories, and allows them the chance to say goodbye in a meaningful way.
The choice of cremation also offers a variety of ways to honour the life of your loved one. From burials to scatterings, butterfly releases to monuments, life can be celebrated as uniquely as it was lived.
About eziFunerals
eziFunerals supports individuals and families coping with end-of-life decisions, death, and funerals. We are an independent, Australian-owned and operated company. We are not part of any other funeral company.
Our member Funeral Directors are chosen for their knowledge, quality, service, personalisation, and experience. They go above and beyond and will take the time to support the family.
For more information or to make contact with a trusted Independent funeral director, call eziFunerals on 1300 236 402 or visit https://ezifunerals.com.au/
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.
