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Helpful Information
A simple cremation offers an affordable alternative to traditional funerals, providing direct cremation within days of passing without the added costs of services, facilities, and ceremonies. We also provide our families with some of the most frequently asked questions regarding cremation. Our licensed professionals have years of experience in the cremation industry and are happy to answer any of your questions regarding the process.
Simple vs. Traditional Funeral
A simple cremation is the most affordable option for disposition today. It involves the direct cremation of a body within days of passing without the expense of a traditional funeral service. Traditional funerals typically include a visitation, a funeral service, and a graveside service, all of which require the services of a funeral director, staff, multiple vehicles, facilities, and set-up. These factors lead to a much higher cost that can be avoided with simple cremation.
Some of the main differences between a simple cremation and a traditional funeral include:
- Simple cremation requires only the services of a crematory, rather than the facilities of a traditional funeral home. This can save you a significant amount of money.
- The body is cremated immediately after death in a simple cremation, so there is no embalming cost for viewings, visitations, wakes, and other services.
- The cremains are returned to you in a temporary urn, eliminating the high cost of a casket.
- You have the flexibility of foregoing traditional funeral arrangements and their costs, and can hold a memorial service or celebration of life service later, if you wish.
- Instead of being limited to interment, a simple cremation offers numerous options for being laid to rest, including burial, a shared mausoleum, niches, or scattering the ashes.
With none of the additional frills of a traditional funeral, a simple cremation offers a respectful service at a fraction of the cost. Your options are no longer limited to traditional funeral home expenses. Please call Athens Cremation Services at 706-769-5689 for assistance.
Common Cremation Questions
What is cremation?
Cremation is a form of disposition. It is the process of submitting a body to extremely high temperatures that leaves only ashes from the bones.
What are Athens Cremation Services qualifications?
We are a state licensed funeral establishment with the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service under the Secretary of State. Athens Cremation Services is operated by a licensed funeral director, certified crematory operator, and is a member of CANA.
How soon can cremation take place after death?
Once cremation documents have been completed and signed by the next of kin, the cremation can be performed.
Is there any special preparation required prior to cremation?
Families should remove all jewelry and mementos from their loved one before cremation and notify Athens Cremation Services of any medical devices.
Is a casket required for cremation?
The state of Georgia requires only a "rigid, combustible container" for a cremation which is included in Athens Cremation Services' simple cremation package. Since a casket is one of the most expensive items involved in a traditional funeral, not having this common expense greatly minimizes the cost.
How long does a cremation take?
A cremation typically takes between 2 to 4 hours until all organic material is consumed by heat.
How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?
Athens Cremation Services follows strict internal practices to ensure proper identification of the deceased during the cremation process, including a metal identification tag that remains with the body throughout the process and is included in the urn with the cremated remains. The cremation number found on the metal identification tag corresponds with cremation paperwork, including the certificate of cremation.
How are the cremated remains returned?
Cremated remains are placed in a temporary urn (included in the Simple Cremations package) unless another urn has been provided. The cremains can be delivered to or picked up by the next of kin or shipped for an additional cost.
Do I need an urn?
A temporary urn will be provided by Athens Cremation Services at the time of cremation.
If you would like a more permanent option, please visit our Merchandise page.
What can be done with the cremated remains?
While traditional funerals always end in a burial, cremation offers many other options. Remains can be kept at home in an urn or keepsake, scattered on private property, committed to a mausoleum or columbarium, or turned into jewelry or art.
