Having a cremation service in Bellingham, WA is a way to honor your loved one who has died. There are many different types of services that you can have, and your funeral director can help plan whatever service you would like to have to memorialize your loved one.

First, you may not be aware that you can have a viewing or a visitation and a funeral service before your loved one is cremated. This traditional service, which is usually associated with funerals where burial is the final disposition, is a more structured service. It usually has readings, eulogies, spiritual comfort, and music. Your loved one is may not be present (a visitation) or may be present (a viewing).

Memorial services are held after your loved one has already been cremated. Memorial services are a good option for families who need time to plan for time off work and travel to be at the service. They can be held at any time after the cremation.

While most memorial services have a loosely traditional format that is less formal than funeral services but still includes tributes and music to honor the memory of your deceased loved one, you do not have to adhere to any particular format for a memorial service.

If your loved one was fond of activity like skiing, bowling, hiking, or hot air ballooning, you can have a memorial weekend with friends and family at a favorite location that centers around that activity. Memorial services can also be held in a place, such as a particular beach, mountain, or city that was special to your loved one.

When your loved one is cremated, memorial services offer a flexible and creative way to honor your loved one and share memories of them with close family members and friends. How you choose to do that is entirely up to you. There is no right or wrong way to remember your loved one.

Celebrations of life have become a very popular way to remember loved ones who have died. This may be the type of service you choose for your loved one. Celebrations of life differ from funeral services and memorial services because they focus on your loved one’s life and how it was lived rather than on their death.

Celebrations of life are intended to be happy and often include reminiscing, food, drink, music, and, in some cases, dancing. Unlike funeral services and memorial services, which can sometimes be private, celebrations of life for someone who has died are often open to anyone who would like to attend.

You may decide to forego a service like this together and do something with your loved one’s cremation remains to commemorate their life.

The most common alternative to service is scattering some of the cremations remains in a special place. If your loved one had a favorite place from their childhood or there is a place that holds special memories for you and your loved one, you may want to scatter some of their cremations remains there.

You should be aware that you may need permission to scatter your loved one’s cremation remains if they or you don’t own the property where they will be scattered. If the land is privately owned, you’ll need to get the property owner’s permission. If the land is public, then you’ll need to check local ordinances for scattering cremation remains.

For additional information about services with cremation in Bellingham, WA, our compassionate and experienced team at Moles Farewell Tributes & Crematory – Bayview Chapel is here to help. You can visit our funeral home at 2465 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham, WA 98229 or you can call us today at (360) 733-0510.