Blog

Can You Have a Funeral Service Before Cremation?

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:01:30 GMT

One of the most common questions families ask when considering cremation is whether they can still have a traditional funeral service.

The answer is yes. Having a full funeral service before cremation is not only possible but increasingly popular among families who want to combine meaningful farewell traditions with the flexibility that cremation provides. Understanding how this works can help your family create a service that honors your loved one in a way that feels right for everyone.

Understanding the Combination of Tradition and Cremation

There is a common misconception that choosing cremation means giving up traditional funeral elements like viewings, ceremonies, and gatherings. In reality, families can have a complete traditional service with their loved one present, followed by cremation afterward. This option allows mourners to say goodbye in person while still benefiting from the flexibility of cremation for final disposition.

This approach is sometimes referred to as a "funeral with cremation to follow" or a "traditional service with cremation." It blends the comfort of established mourning rituals with the practical and emotional advantages of cremation services , giving families the best of both worlds during a difficult time.

What a Funeral Service Before Cremation Typically Includes

A funeral service held before cremation closely resembles a traditional funeral in nearly every way. Families can choose to include a visitation, viewing, formal ceremony, and procession, with cremation taking place after the service concludes.

The visitation often includes an open casket, allowing family and friends to see their loved one one final time. This can be especially meaningful for those who need the closure that comes with seeing their loved one at peace. Funeral homes provide rental caskets specifically for this purpose, which look just like traditional caskets but allow the body to be transferred for cremation afterward without the cost of purchasing a casket outright.

The formal ceremony can include all the elements families expect from a traditional funeral. Music, readings, eulogies, prayers, and tributes from clergy or celebrants can all be part of the service. Following the ceremony, the body is transported to the crematory rather than to a cemetery for burial. Families may then choose to gather for a reception, allowing loved ones to share memories and support one another.

Why Families Choose This Option

There are many reasons families opt for a funeral service before cremation. For some, religious or cultural traditions call for a viewing or formal ceremony, and this approach honors those customs while still allowing for cremation. For others, the emotional value of seeing their loved one one last time and gathering as a community for a formal farewell is essential to the grieving process.

This option also provides flexibility for what comes after the service. Families can decide later whether to inurn ashes in a cemetery, scatter them in a meaningful location, divide them among family members, or keep them at home. This flexibility is particularly helpful for families spread across multiple states or those who need time to make thoughtful decisions about final disposition.

Cost is another factor that draws families to this approach. While it may be slightly more expensive than direct cremation alone, it is often more affordable than a full traditional burial because it eliminates the need for purchasing a casket, burial plot, vault, and headstone.

Personalizing the Service

Just like any traditional funeral, a service held before cremation can be deeply personalized to reflect the unique life and personality of your loved one. Families often include photo displays, video tributes, meaningful music, and personal mementos that bring the service to life.

Some families incorporate themes that reflect hobbies, passions, or career accomplishments. Others choose locations or readings that held special meaning. Working with a funeral home that prioritizes personalization ensures that every detail of the service reflects who your loved one truly was. From custom programs to themed floral arrangements to specially selected music, the possibilities for creating a meaningful tribute are virtually limitless.

Considerations for Planning a Service Before Cremation

When planning this type of service, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Timing is important, as the funeral typically takes place within a few days of the death so that the body can be present without the need for extensive preparation. Embalming may be required if the service is held more than a day or two after death, though some families opt for refrigeration as an alternative.

Conversations with family members in advance can help ensure that everyone is on the same page about what the service will include. Programs like H ave the Talk of a Lifetime encourage families to discuss preferences, share stories, and document important wishes long before they are needed. These conversations not only ease decision-making during difficult times but also strengthen family bonds.

You will also want to decide how to handle the final disposition of the ashes. Some families plan a separate memorial gathering weeks or months after the cremation to scatter ashes or inurn them in a chosen location. This approach allows distant family members to attend and gives everyone time to plan a thoughtful final tribute.

Creating a Farewell That Honors Your Loved One

Choosing cremation does not mean sacrificing meaningful farewell traditions. A funeral service before cremation offers the comfort of ritual, the closure of in-person goodbyes, and the flexibility that modern families often need. By combining time-honored customs with practical considerations, this option provides a beautiful way to honor a life well lived.

If you would like to learn more about combining a funeral service with cremation, our compassionate team is ready to help guide you through your options. Get in touch with us for caring support, or visit Walker Sanderson Funeral Home & Crematory to discover how we help Utah families create meaningful tributes that reflect their loved ones' lives and values.

What Is Included in a Traditional Funeral Service?

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:50:03 GMT

When a loved one passes away, families often turn to traditional funeral services to honor their memory in a meaningful, time-honored way.

While the term "traditional funeral" is widely used, many people are unsure of what it actually includes. Understanding the components of a traditional service can help families plan with confidence and ensure that every element reflects their loved one's life and legacy.

The Visitation or Viewing

Most traditional funerals begin with a visitation, sometimes called a viewing or wake. This gathering typically takes place the evening before the funeral or in the hours leading up to the service. It provides an opportunity for family, friends, and members of the community to pay their respects, share memories, and offer condolences in a more intimate setting.

During the visitation, the deceased is often present in an open or closed casket, depending on the family's wishes. Photos, mementos, and floral arrangements are usually displayed to help create a personal atmosphere. For many families, the visitation is a powerful first step in the grieving process, allowing them to receive emotional support from their wider community.

The Funeral Ceremony

The funeral ceremony itself is the central component of a traditional service. It is typically held at a funeral home, place of worship, or another meaningful location. The ceremony brings together loved ones to celebrate the life of the deceased, share in collective mourning, and find comfort in shared faith, tradition, or remembrance.

A traditional funeral ceremony usually includes several key elements. An officiant, often a clergy member or celebrant, leads the service and delivers reflections on the life of the deceased. Eulogies from family members or close friends offer personal stories and memories. Music plays an important role, whether through hymns, instrumental pieces, or songs that held special meaning. Readings from scripture, poetry, or literature can also provide comfort and reflection.

Families who want to make the service more personal often incorporate elements that reflect their loved one's unique personality. From displaying meaningful objects to playing favorite songs, these personal touches transform a service into a true celebration of life.

The Procession and Committal

Following the funeral ceremony, a procession typically transports the deceased and attending family members to the burial site. The funeral procession is a long-standing tradition that allows the community to accompany the deceased on their final journey. In Utah, these processions are often led by a funeral coach with mourners following behind.

At the burial site, a committal service or graveside ceremony takes place. This brief but deeply meaningful gathering involves final words, prayers, and the lowering of the casket. Many families choose burial services that include a graveside ceremony as a way to provide closure and honor traditions that have been passed down through generations. The committal often represents a powerful moment of farewell, allowing loved ones to say their final goodbyes in a quiet, sacred setting.

The Reception or Gathering

After the burial, many families host a reception or gathering. This part of the service is typically more relaxed and provides an opportunity for guests to share food, stories, and support one another. Receptions may be held at the funeral home, a place of worship, a family residence, or a restaurant.

The reception is an important part of the grieving process. It allows mourners to shift from formal mourning to communal remembrance, sharing laughter and tears in equal measure. These gatherings often become moments where families learn new stories about their loved one and find unexpected comfort in the presence of friends and extended family.

Additional Services and Support

Beyond the core elements, traditional funerals often include additional services that support both the deceased and their family. These can include the preparation and care of the deceased, the coordination of all logistical details, the printing of memorial programs and prayer cards, and the placement of obituaries in local publications.

Funeral homes also handle important administrative tasks such as filing death certificates and coordinating with cemeteries, clergy, and other vendors. This comprehensive support allows families to focus on grieving and being present with one another rather than worrying about logistics.

For those navigating the difficult emotions that follow a loss, access to grief resources can be invaluable. Many funeral homes provide ongoing support through grief literature, counseling referrals, and community programs that help families heal over time.

Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind

While many families arrange traditional funerals during a time of loss, an increasing number are choosing to plan ahead. Pre-planning allows individuals to express their preferences for every aspect of their service, from music selections to readings to specific traditions they want included.

By planning ahead , you can spare your family from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief. Pre-planning also allows you to lock in costs at today's prices and ensures that your service reflects your values, beliefs, and personality.

Honoring Your Loved One with Dignity

A traditional funeral service is more than a sequence of events. It is a meaningful framework that helps families honor their loved one, find community in their grief, and begin the journey toward healing. Each element, from the visitation to the reception, plays a role in providing comfort and closure.

If you have questions about planning a traditional service or want to learn more about how we can support your family, our caring team is here to help.

Reach out to us for compassionate guidance, or visit Walker Sanderson Funeral Home & Crematory to explore the full range of services we offer to families throughout Utah.

What Is Needed from Next of Kin for Burial and Cremation in Orem, UT?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Why Do Funeral & Cremation Costs Vary in Orem, Utah?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

How Much Does Cremation Cost in Orem, UT?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Orem, Utah?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Where Should I Send My Condolences?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Condolences do matter and timing is important.

Do not put off contacting your friend to express your sympathy. Options and opportunities may have changes over the decades, but the importance of reaching out to those suffering a loss has not. A call or a written note is always just right. Social media is just fine under some circumstances and a personal visit is lovely. Additionally, many funeral homes have a place on their website to post condolences. This format allows your expression of sympathy to be delivered privately and quickly.

So, let’s start with the newest trend - technology and social media. It’s so fast and so easy to access. If you are texting a co-worker several times a day about other things, it would seem rude to not mention the loss of her mother. Do use private messaging forms of social media with people you communicate with regularly in this manner. Caution!! Be very careful to not send a public condolence message using social media if your friend has not made an equally public announcement of his or her loss on the same platform. Do follow-up your message with a call or personal note. Finally, do not use electronic messaging if the receiver is not a regular user of tech.

Hand written notes or cards made for just this purpose should be mailed to the person closest to the deceased or to a personal friend who has experienced a loss. Your personal note should be simple. Thoughts such as you are sorry for their loss, you are thinking of them in this difficult time or they are in your thoughts and prayers are appropriate. If you knew the deceased, you might share a brief story about the person who died and shares your connection.

Should you make a condolence visit? Oh, my yes! A personal visit is the only way to give a hug. However, do call ahead. Do keep your visit brief and do focus on the grieving individual. Please, don’t say you know how they feel even if you share a similar experience. There will be a time for sharing later. For now, just let them know you are sorry for their loss. Come as a listener not a problem solver.

www.walkersanderson.com

Veterans Day - Thank You for Your Service

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Because you are there we all sleep better at night. You serve in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Some of you serve for two years, some for twenty or more. Some enter into service at a tender age looking for opportunity. Some are following a longstanding family tradition. You are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. We, thank you for your service.

You spend days, weeks, and even years away from your family. You are not always there to teach your daughter to ride her bike; perhaps you missed your son’s first steps. Because you serve, you can’t always be counted on to attend the baseball game or the teacher conference. With your service comes sacrifice. Sacrifices made by both you and your family. We thank you and your family for your service.

Thank you for being ready and on alert so that we can go about our business without even thinking about the “what ifs”. Thank you for putting yourself in harms way. Thank you for giving us your time, your energy and your youth. Thank you for representing us with honor where ever you are stationed.

Regardless of whether you serve us at home or in foreign lands, in time of war or peace, we thank you for your service.

On Memorial Day we remember those who gave their lives in our service, on Armed Forces Day we honor those currently serving. On Veterans Day we honor all who have served our country from the Revolution in 1776 to today. Thank you.

www.walkersanderson.com

Why Plan Your Funeral in Advance?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The story below illustrates the benefits of preplanning your funeral. Also known as an “advance funeral plan”, “preneed”, or a “preplanned funeral”, it is one of the few things in life where you can pay today’s prices for a product and service you may not need for many years down the road, thus saving you money.

We buried my dad last week. My dad’s funeral would have been just a little more than $8,000 not counting the luncheon or cemetery space. However, thanks to his pre-need funeral plan that he prepared 18 years ago at the funeral home, we got it for $5,000 and some change. Saving money wasn’t necessarily what motivated him to make the plan in advance. But, let me tell you, my mom was pretty pleased to know she didn't have to write that check.

Now, I should clarify something here. My mom is more than okay financially. Paying, even the full $8,000, for the funeral would not have been a financial issue. It was an emotional thing. She knew the death of my dad was going to change her life. She just didn’t know how it would change. So, everything, every action and especially spending money, increased her anxiety. We didn’t need that. Thank you, dad, for taking care of the plan and its cost well before it was needed.

What motivated my father to pre-plan was the fact we are a blended family. It’s not the we don’t all get along, we do (most of the time). But, we don’t all have the same taste. My sister, his oldest daughter, likes the earth tones. Our mom, his wife, on the other hand, likes the jewel tones. My dad picked a black casket and even said he wanted to be buried in his navy suit. Seems like small stuff, but it probably saved us all some angst. There was no fuss, no brown suit and no hurt feelings.

If my dad would have asked us 18 years ago if he should pre-plan and pre-pay for his funeral, I feel certain all five of us would have said, “Don’t worry about that. We can take care of it when we have to.” I am so grateful that he did not ask and that he did not think just about the money portion of an advance funeral plan. Dad, thank you for being smarter than us and knowing that we would need your emotional support even in death.

www.walkersanderson.com

Who Should Record My Funeral Wishes?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

There is a woman who once thought that she’d like to have a hologram made of her wearing an Obi-Wan Kenobi robe for her funeral. Her four sons grew up during the Star Wars era and similar to Obi-Wan, she would love to pass along the wisdom she acquired over her lifetime to those she loves. And yes, she would also like to have the last word! So who should this woman see to discuss and share her wishes? Should she talk to an attorney? Her financial planner? Or a funeral director?

Both her attorney and financial planner suggested they could help but she wasn’t convinced based on her past experience. When her parents died the funeral was over before she even started to work on the finances and the estate. And there was so much attention paid to the final, final part…burial or cremation. She decided to contact her family funeral home and she met with Sue, the advance funeral planner. As it turns out, helping people get their funeral plans in place is Sue’s only job at the funeral home. And help this woman Sue did!

They talked about what this woman thought she wanted for her funeral plans. They talked a lot about her family – her husband, her four grown up sons, their wives and their children. Sue helped this woman see that although her sons would appreciate the Obi Wan idea, her husband would need something a little more traditional with a spiritual element. They talked about the cost and how she could keep that under control. They also talked about the burial and cremation options. Sue explained to the woman that if she wasn’t ready, she didn’t need to make a decision about burial or cremation. The woman ended up talking to her family about it and she was able to get her wishes recorded at the funeral home and she decided to use a payment plan. With her plan in place, she can go in and change her plans at any time (e.g. if she decides she wants to be cremated at a later date) and Sue will help her with that.

Sue also suggested the woman begin gathering those words of wisdom that she wants to share at her funeral and bring them to Sue so she can put them in the file. On the day of the woman’s funeral, the funeral directors will print these words of wisdom and hand them out to those attending the funeral. As it turns out, holograms aren’t available just yet, but Sue thinks they may be prior to this woman’s death.

In the end, leaving the finances to the financial planner, the will & estate planning to the attorney, and the funeral planning to the funeral home made the most sense for this woman.

www.walkersanderson.com

Make Family the Foundation for Funeral Planning

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT

There are two ways to take care of funeral planning: 1) you can plan your own funeral in advance or 2) your survivors can plan your funeral for you after your death. Regardless of when it is planned, or who plans the funeral, the planning needs to start with your family. Your family should be the foundation for funeral planning.

After all, the funeral is not really for the deceased…it is for those who survive. We show respect for all human life in the manner in which we care for the body that housed the soul or spirit of our loved one. Respect and dignity for the body is important. The funeral helps those of us who survive by changing our focus from the cause of the death to the life that was lived. The funeral is the beginning of our grieving process and that is why funerals are so important.

If you are planning in advance for your own final remembrance, begin by thinking of those who love you. Your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your friends and even your co-workers, what will they remember? What will make them smile? What will comfort them? What will they need? When they think of you what will come to mind? How is faith a part of their lives?

If you are planning a funeral for a deceased family member, involve the children, grandchildren and even close friends in the process. Ask them how they remember their friend or relative. Remember, we have all had a unique relationship with the deceased, so what you want to remember may be different from what your brother remembers. Ask your funeral director for ideas so they can help you capture and express the unique personality of your family member in the service plan.

For many years funeral planning started with a different set of questions. It started with questions about the faith. What church did your mother belong to? It followed with questions about the decedent’s wishes. What do you think your dad would want? These are still good valid questions but basing the entire funeral plan on only these aspects may not touch every family member.

Mother may have preferred that no one see her after death, but if you, her daughter, need to see her, speak up. If you don’t share your brother’s faith and you need to hear a eulogy that is all about his life or see pictures that bring back your time growing up together, speak up. The imprint of the funeral sticks with the surviving family. It is literally the last memory we carry of someone we loved.

www.walkersanderson.com

Who Will Take Care of My Funeral Plans?

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT

It is not uncommon for people to ask themselves, “Since I never had any children, who will take care of my funeral plans?” That is all the more reason to preplan your own funeral!

Each state has laws that say who will “own” your body when you die. The “owner” is responsible for making and paying for your funeral service and “final disposition”. Final disposition is simply what happens to your body in the end and those choices include burial, cremation or donation. Regardless of disposition, a funeral service with or without a religious component will take place before or after disposition. These are all choices the responsible person will make.

If you are to be cremated, there is still the matter of what will be done with your cremated remains. They can be kept by a family member, scattered on private property, buried in a cemetery, or kept in a columbarium niche. Again, this is a choice the responsible person will need to make.

In most states the responsible person is your spouse. When there is no legal marriage then your parent will be responsible. If your parents are deceased, then your child will take the lead. When there are no children then your eldest sibling will be responsible.

As you can see, this system only works if you and your family are all of like mind regarding the funeral and you are on the same page regarding faith. Since this is not always the case, you can break the legal chain and designate a person of your choice to carry out your wishes.

It’s not at all difficult or even expensive. You just need to call the funeral home of your choice, ask for an appointment with the person who does the pre-planning. Be sure to tell that individual that you want to designate someone to carry out your wishes. He or she will need to get the proper paperwork for you to complete this task.

This is also a perfect time to talk to the pre-planning person at the funeral home about your ideas regarding both your funeral service and your final disposition. A funeral professional can help you get everything written down so that your designated person will know just what to do. Since this person will also bear the financial burden for your funeral service and burial or cremation, you will want to talk to the advance funeral planner about eliminating that burden by prefunding your plan.

www.walkersanderson.com

Get Your Family Involved in Funeral Planning

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

When death is near or has just occurred, there are so many things to do and yet there is nothing you can do. You feel helpless. You can’t make the person well or bring them back. But you know you will, very soon, need to make many decisions about the service, the final resting place, the music, food, flowers, donations, clothing and much more. Your mind is racing and oddly enough, at the same time, at a complete standstill. On one hand it feels like it is too soon to do anything. You’re just not ready. But at the same time, you feel the weight of all that is coming.

This is stress. It is hard. If you can, reach out to your family and friends and let them help you. Have your son or daughter get the older grandchildren involved in pulling together pictures and music. They are really good at this stuff. Going through the pictures brings back happy memories and it’s one of the most therapeutic chores that comes with funeral preparation. Let them do something that will help them - they are dealing with this loss too.

If would you would like family and friends to donate to a charity, put someone in charge of looking into that. Have your daughter-in-law pull together a few clothing choices for your final selection. Send your son-in-law to the cemetery or have him get the cars washed. You may want to delegate the task of writing the eulogy and obituary. Give someone the job of gathering information for the funeral luncheon or brunch.

Spread the work around. Let go, embrace help and give them something to do. You’ll feel better that things are getting done and they’ll feel better because they are involved and helping.

www.walkersanderson.com

How Much do Funerals Cost?

Thu, 01 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

For most of us, one of our first questions when we think we need a funeral home soon is, “How much will it cost?” It’s understandable that everyone wants a simple answer to this question. Unfortunately, there is no one simple answer.

Think of the last time you bought a pair of shoes. It’s not really helpful to know that the average cost of a pair of shoes is $75.00. So, what does an “average” pair of shoes look like? Shoes come in many different sizes, colors and styles. You wouldn’t expect to call the shoe store and ask, “How much does a pair of shoes cost?” Everyone needs some help finding the right fit for his or her feet. You also understand that you’ll need to share more information about the kind of shoe you are seeking before you find the cost.

It’s the same with funerals. The funeral you choose will need to fit your family’s needs as well as your budget. The funeral director will help you with both. You will be pleased to know funeral homes are required to have standardized prices for everything they do. This price list must be printed and available for you. You should also take comfort in knowing there will be a range of prices associated with the choices you will be making. The funeral director wants you to be satisfied with both the service you select and with the costs associated with those services.

As soon as you are able, it is a good idea to call the funeral home and ask to set up a time to meet with a funeral director to review your options and prices. There should be no cost for this meeting. This is the best way to assure that you understand what is involved with the various services so that you can get the best value for your dollar. You can schedule this kind of meeting with as many funeral homes as you desire.

At first, this may seem like a lot of work. The reality is, however, that you’ll obtain far more information by meeting with the funeral director versus searching online or making phone calls. You’ll save time, too. Don’t wait to set up that meeting if you think you’ll need a funeral home soon.

www.walkersanderson.com

Control Funeral Costs by Planning Ahead

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

How does planning for your funeral in advance save you money? Doesn’t it just let the funeral home make money on your money? How big a part should emotion play in your funeral selections?

First, let’s be honest. Emotion is not a bad thing. Some life events should move us emotionally.

Marriage, birth, and death all appropriately tug at our heartstrings. But the cost of all three can also get out of hand if you make all the decisions when emotions are running high.

Put the word “wedding” in front of anything and the cost doubles. If you’ve ever planned a wedding you know that the dress will cost you half as much if you buy it far in advance instead of just before you need it. The same is true of funerals.

When you and your spouse sit down together with the funeral director, well in advance, you’ll feel a little emotion as you consider the reality of your death.

But that little tug is nothing compared to what your husband or wife will feel if you don’t prepare in advance and they’re making those decisions alone hours after you’ve died.

Emotional overspending happens. Funeral directors don’t make it happen. In fact, they don’t like it either.

Advance planning allows you to make all the decisions that determine the final cost. Making them together with cool heads and warm hearts saves dollars.

Planning ahead eliminates the excessive spending that can occur when someone is in a heightened emotional state.

Think back to wedding planning.

Starting early can also help you absorb the cost over a longer period of time. That means you don’t drag the wedding debt into your brand new marriage.

When you plan your funeral in advance, you will also have the option of paying for it over time. That means you don’t have to take money from your savings or investments and your survivors won’t have the financial burden of paying for your funeral days after your passing. Advance planning eliminates the need for a lump sum payment when death occurs.

All money set aside in advance for a funeral should be held with a third party. Nearly all funeral homes participate in programs that hold the dollars in either insurance or a trust product until the death occurs.

The funeral home should not have access to your funds and the insurance products they use should have an increasing death benefit to help offset inflation, providing a cushion for increasing funeral costs.

Consult with an advance planning specialist for more details.