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You may think that by using cremation services in Brooklyn, you don’t have to worry about so many tasks as you would if you chose a traditional burial. But think again — when it comes to making final arrangements, there are nearly as many rules and requirements for creation vs. burial.
But you can put your worries aside when you rely on the expertise and experience of Harmony Funeral Home. The number one choice for cremation services in Brooklyn, we proudly serve the Flatbush, East Flatbush and Canarsie communities, including the Haitian Creole-speaking families.
If you haven’t yet decided if cremation is right for you, we can explain everything involved in cremation services, as well as other available funeral services. We’re committed to making sure you and your family understand all your options and that you feel supported every step of the way.
Why Should I Choose Harmony Funeral Home for Cremation Services in Brooklyn?
People choose cremation for different reasons. In some cases, cost is a factor. When you’re looking for affordable funeral services in Brooklyn, cremation can be less expensive than a burial in a casket in a cemetery. Families trust us for multiple reasons, such as:
- Named “Best of the Best” by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
- Recognized by the NFDA for excellence in funeral service
- Awarded for exceptional service and community involvement by the NFDA
- Honored by the NFDA for outstanding community service and innovative funeral practices
At Harmony Funeral Home, we provide respectful, professional and affordable funeral services. We aim to make this difficult time as easy on you as possible, and we take pride in our outstanding service, integrity and excellence.
Are There Different Types of Cremation Services in Brooklyn?
You can choose from several different types of cremation. You deserve to have the type of final arrangements that work best for you and your family. Whatever you decide, we’ve got the details covered. Some options for cremation services in Brooklyn include:
- Direct cremation. This is the simplest option that consists of using the crematory services with no viewing or service.
- Direct cremation with ash scattering. This involves a ceremony for ash scattering done after cremation.
- Cremation with visitation.A visitation service for family and friends is provided before the body is cremated.
- Memorial service before cremation. A traditional funeral or memorial service may be done before the cremation, with the casket open or closed. Services can be held at your Brooklyn funeral home, a church or a location that has personal meaning to your family. You can rent the casket, or you can use a special casket designed for the cremation process.
- Memorial service after cremation.Some families prefer to have the cremation process done before a celebration of life or funeral. The ashes may be present in an urn, and ash scattering part of the ceremony.
The total cost of cremation services in Brooklyn is affected by what type of service you choose. Other services include:
- Legal documents help, such as copies of the death certificate and permits
- Transportation services
- Obituary assistance
- Choice of urn and other memorial products
A variety of keepsakes — such as jewelry, paperweights and glass-blown flowers — are available to hold a small amount of cremains, which refer to the ashes.
What Happens During the Cremation Process?
Cremation is a method of disposing of a body after death by reducing it to tiny bone fragments, typically by using flames and high heat. The remains of this process, called cremains, are delivered to you, which you can then choose to have buried, scattered or kept in an urn.
When a death occurs, your Brooklyn funeral home transports the body and obtains a death certificate. In New York, personal items are not allowed to be placed with the body in the crematory chamber. When you authorize cremation, steps include:
- Removing all jewelry, implants, prosthetics and medical devices such as a pacemaker
- Placing the body in a container that’s leak-resistant, rigid, completely enclosed and combustible
- Putting the container into the chamber
- Heating the chamber, causing it to ignite and burn
- Sweeping the cremains into a cooling tray
- Placing cremains in a temporary container
The cremation process usually takes two to three hours for an adult, and the identity of the deceased is verified at every step of the process. At cremation services in Brooklyn, family members may choose to be present when the body is placed in the cremation chamber.
How Does Religion Affect Cremation Services in Brooklyn?
The decision to choose cremation rather than a traditional burial is a personal one. But as with all the decisions you’re facing, religious beliefs may affect this decision. Your family may insist on religious services that for some are very important, such as:
- Catholicism. Cremation was traditionally frowned upon by the Catholic Church, but more recently, this tradition has been relaxed. However, cremains should be kept in a sacred place rather than being scattered.
- Other Christian denominations. Most Protestant churches don’t have strict guidelines relating to cremation.
- Jewish Funeral Services Burial is preferred by most forms of Judaism. Reform Judaism is more open to cremation as a personal choice.
- Buddhism. Cremation is a common practice for Buddhists. With their belief in reincarnation and the cycle of life, the soul and body aren’t thought to be permanently linked.
- Hinduism.Hindus typically prefer cremation over traditional burial and consider cremation an act of purification.
- Islam. Muslims are strongly opposed to cremation. The body is buried as soon as possible with no visitation or viewing of the deceased person. An exception may be made during an epidemic when burning the body is done to prevent spread of disease.
We hope this guide gives you some direction as you decide between cremation vs burial. Contact Harmony Funeral Home with questions about cremation services in Brooklyn, whether you’re planning a service for a recently deceased loved one or prefer to take care of the details by planning ahead.
Harmony Funeral Home
2200 Clarendon Rd.,
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(718) 469-6666