It is always a trying time for any family when a loved one passes away. If the departed previously expressed a wish to be cremated, the bereaved should honor it and may even see the value in it. Hiroko Sato of the Sentinel and Enterprise in Fitchburg, MA noted this of a local family who, in the past, had their deceased loved ones buried due to religious beliefs but are now open to the idea of cremation.
Indeed, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) reports a 45.3% cremation rate for all funeral services in 2013, up from 3.6% 50 years ago in 1960. The National Funeral Directors Association, meanwhile, expects the rate to rise to 70% in 15 years’ time. Along with changing cultural attitudes, the fact that many Americans live away from the places where they grew up (and are consequently unable to revisit their loved ones’ graves) is seen to drive this trend.
Is your family open to a practical but no less solemn way to honor the departed? Funeral homes that can arrange for cremation in Indianapolis, such as the Usher Funeral Home, will provide all the help with planning you need.
A Time of Solemnity
Discussions on the final rites often start among family members. The talks may range on securing a venue, to who will officiate the services. It is important to consider relatives who might be coming from distant locations to pay their respects. A skilled funeral director should be contacted right away to firmly map out the details of the viewing (if applicable), the funeral service, the choice of urn, the burial plot or columbary, etc.
Cost-Effectivity 
In many instances, cost issues lead families to consider cremation instead of traditional burial. CANA reports that cremations cost between $1,000 and $3,000 against burials that can set one back up to $8,000. A lack of burial space also adds to the drive for cremation. A report on al-Jazeera America, for instance, cites the Arlington National Cemetery’s plans to build a columbarium and tighten requirements for its last major plot, which is expected to fill up by the 2050s.
Cremation services in Indianapolis, like ones offered by Usher Funeral Home, allow you to pay your final respects and arrange for the kind of dignified farewell your deceased loved one would have wanted.
Sources: 
Cremation moves mainstream due to cultural changes, affordability, Sentinel and Enterprise
Traditional American funerals are dead – but not buried, Al-Jazeera America
 

For many a death comes without warning and leaves families reeling from loss. Are you aware that while you are still alive and able a person can prepare and lighten the burden on your survivors by investing in funeral pre-planning? There are dependable Indianapolis funeral homes that offer you a way to plan and pay for your funeral before your death, and there are several benefits of doing so.
Why Pre-Plan?
First of all, having a pre-planned and pre-paid funeral eliminates the confusion that happens during funeral planning. Many of these funeral discussions are often focused on what the deceased wanted: do they get buried with their favorite book or piece of jewelry? What sort of service should be held? Arguments can arise between loved ones, especially during the dark times of grieving. Funeral pre-planning also answers the most important financial question for many: who’ll be paying for it all? Your family and loved ones will have an easier time when everything is already set up and paid for.
Second, pre-planning can help your loved ones emotionally and psychologically. Funerals are supposed to provide closure for grieving families, not stress or pressure for them with funeral planning in the midst of their grief. A pre-planned funeral, without the undue hassle on your loved ones, can be more meaningful and even therapeutic to those you leave behind.
Proper Planning Procedure
If you’ve decided to pre-plan your funeral then there are family-owned and well-established funeral homes in Indianapolis like Usher Funeral Home that would be honored to help. Planning out your funeral may seem morbid, but many people have an idea of what they want to happen during their service and wake. You’ll have to decide on what type of funeral you want; will you be cremated or buried? What kind of casket will you be buried in? Your wake and service will also need considerable planning. For one, you may either want a religious service or not.
Finally, there’s the financial component. All of your funeral expenses may be paid for in advance. Talk about it with your funeral planner. He or she can help you pre plan a service that meets your unique needs. With the right advice and planning you can save yourself and your survivors a lot of worries.
Source:
Why Preplan?, NFDA.org
Checklist: Pre-Planning Your Funeral or Memorial Service, Everplan.org
Planning Your Own Funeral, Federal Trade Commission