Cremation with All the Options

Providing you with the options that best fit your needs and preferences is an important part of what we do at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. For families that choose cremation, that means helping you to see that this includes all the services you associate with a traditional burial. So family and friends are able to gather together and begin the grief and healing process. Your Forest Lawn funeral director is there to support you every step of the way.

Personalization that Reflects the Individual

With a cremation burial, the remains are placed in an urn, rather than a casket. You’ll find that selecting the urn allows a great deal of personalization – from the materials you choose to its style and shape, and the ability to include customizations like military service, embellishments and other details.

Visitation or Wake

Even with cremation, many families hold a visitation or wake the evening before to allow guests to give condolences to the family and pay their respects. The urn is often displayed in a place of honor, surrounded by photos of that person as they are most remembered, as well as flowers, family photos, mementos from beloved hobbies and interests, tools or symbols of their profession. So family and friends are still able to say their good-byes. There may also be a brief prayer or ceremony led by an officiant, and family members and friends are invited to speak.

Memorial Service or Celebration of Life

Perhaps the most important service, the memorial or celebration of life is still a vital part of the cremation service. It can be held in one of the chapels at Forest Lawn or in a place of worship, and it can be as traditional, personal or elaborate as the family wishes.

Consider a ceremonial casket for viewing

For families wishing to have a traditional public viewing prior to cremation, Forest Lawn makes ceremonial caskets available for rental. The cremation takes place after this service and the cremated remains are placed in the urn and placed in the ground or in a mausoleum niche.

Graveside or Inurnment Ceremony

Like a casket, placing the cremated remains in its final resting place is an important aspect of helping family and others find closure. Typically, the inurnment ceremony takes place at the gravesite or mausoleum niche. Final thoughts and prayers are shared before the casket is placed in its final location – in a mausoleum crypt, niche or family estate. This also serves as a place of remembrance for those who wish to visit.

Reception

A final reception is an excellent conclusion to the funeral service, allowing family and friends to gather around a meal at Forest Lawn. It’s a wonderful way to support the family and those who grieve the loss of the loved one.

Understanding Pricing

In many ways, the costs of a cremation funeral are different from a casket burial. At Forest Lawn, you can count on us to explain the costs for services, merchandise, outside charges and other options you select. We regularly update the Forest Lawn General Price List we provide you and can also answer any questions

Plan Online Now

With Forest Lawn’s eFuneral service, you can plan a funeral for an immediate need or pre-plan arrangements. Available online here, you can better understand what options are available to you, pricing and other details.