Affordable Cremations of Winston-Salem

CREMATION SERVICES IN WINSTON-SALEM, NC

Cremation is an increasingly popular option for many people, serving as an alternative to burial. Reasons for preferring cremation vary. Some religions request it, while other people consider it more environmentally conscious. Some may simply like the idea of cremation more. During cremation, the remains are placed in a special furnace and reduced to resemble coarse sand.  Cremation is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an alternative to burials or other forms of disposition. 

Cremated remains can be scattered, buried, or they may be kept with the family in a decorative urn.  There are many ways to dispose of ashes today: cremated remains can be placed in an artificial coral reef in the ocean; they can be launched into space or sent up in helium balloons; they can be spun into glass pieces of art or diamonds.

Some religions welcome cremation, while others forbid it. The Catholic Church had previously banned cremation up until 1963, and burial remains the preferred form of disposition today.  In other Christian denominations, cremation was historically discouraged but is now more widely accepted. In eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, cremation is mandated. In Islam, it is strictly forbidden. Orthodox Jews also forbid cremation, while other sects of Judaism support cremation; however, burial remains the preferred option. 

At Affordable Cremations of Winston-Salem, we understand there are several ways to choose your final disposition including traditional burial method and cremation. Often, those that pre-plan their funeral choose cremation services due to their affordability, personalization options, as well as their fear of being in small places. Other reasons why people get cremated include convenience as it is not as overwhelming and emotionally draining. Cremation services eliminate the stress that comes with planning larger arrangements. Other services require arrangements to happen within 10 days after passing, but cremation services are more flexible. Please contact our compassionate staff and funeral director to learn more about our cremation services.

Cremation Services are Growing 

Across the world, United States and here in Winston-Salem, NC, when funeral planning or organizing a memorial service, choosing cremation services have become the most common choice after a loved one's passing. According to the NFDA, the cremation rate in the U.S. was 56% in 2020, and only continuing to rise. There are many factors for the increase including the acceptance across multiple cultures, eco-consciousness, affordability, and the new & innovative memorialization trends occurring throughout society. At Affordable Cremations of Winston-Salem, we understand the need for cremation services across our community and we take remembering your loved ones very seriously. Please reach out to our funeral directors today if you have questions or want to know more about our cremation services. We are proud to serve families across the Winston-Salem, Lexington, Kernersville, Walkertown, and High Point, NC area.

Cremation FAQ

What is cremation?
Cremation is the process of reducing the human body using high heat and flame.  Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service.

Is a casket needed for cremation?
No, a casket is not required.  Most states require an alternative container constructed of wood or cardboard; however, in some states, no container is required.

Is embalming required prior to cremation?
No. It is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.

Can the body be viewed without embalming?
Yes, most crematories allow immediate family members to view the deceased prior to cremation.

Can the family witness the cremation?
Yes they can; some cremation providers will allow family members to be present when the body is placed in the cremation chamber.  Some religious groups ask for this as part of their funeral custom.

Can an urn be brought into church?
Nearly all Protestant Churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service.  Most Catholic Churches also allow the remains to be present during the Memorial Mass. Including cremated remains as a part of the funeral provides a focal point for the service.

What can be done with the cremated remains?
While laws vary state by state, for the most part, remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or in a cremation garden, interred in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?
All reputable cremation providers have developed rigorous sets of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize the level of service and minimize the potential for human error.  Since it is illegal to perform more than one cremation at a time, and the vast majority of crematories can only cremate one body at a time, it is next to impossible to receive the incorrect remains.

How long does the actual cremation take?
It all depends on the weight of the individual.  For an average sized adult, cremation can take two to three hours at a normal operating temperature of between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

What do the cremated remains look like?
Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color.  The remains of an average sized adult usually weigh between 7 and 8 pounds.

Do I need an urn?
An urn is not required by law.  An urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or if the remains are to be interred in a cemetery.  If an urn is not purchased or provided by the family, the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary plastic container.

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