The Federal Trade Commission says, "Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial."
It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home or in a crematory chapel.
Generally, the government does not regulate the scattering of ashes. Public parks, including national parks, often require a formal request and may have specific restrictions. For scattering on private land, always consult the landowner first. Typically, if you check for any rules beforehand and act considerately, it follows more of an "unofficial" policy.
You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Cremation niches in columbariums are also available at many cemeteries. They offer the beauty of a mausoleum setting with the benefits of above ground placement of remains. Many cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery offers the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come and reflect.
Cremation of multiple individuals simultaneously is illegal in the U.S. and many other countries, so cremation chambers are designed for one person at a time. Cremation is a regulated process with strict procedures to ensure the highest standards. All necessary paperwork and fees must be completed with local authorities, followed by a checklist at the crematory. A metal disk with a unique ID number accompanies your loved one throughout the process, ensuring that you receive only your loved one’s ashes, handled with the utmost respect and care.
Yes — Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.
