Alternatives to a Traditional Funeral

After someone passes, honoring their final wishes is essential to the grieving process. Funerals have changed significantly in recent years, thanks to the growing popularity of cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, and beyond.

Now people are choosing to have fun, quirky send-offs that reflect their loved one’s passions and interests. In addition to traditional funerals—which can still be unique and personal—there are now many alternative ways to say goodbye.

From eco-friendly burial services to costumed memorials, these new ideas about final farewells offer fresh ways to remember the departed.

Whether you want to give your loved one an unforgettable final send-off or want different options for yourself someday. Here are some of the most popular alternatives to traditional funerals.

Memorial Services

If you’ve been to a funeral, chances are you’ve attended a memorial service, sometimes called a “celebration of life” or “service of remembrance.”

These are a bit like traditional funerals, but with less focus on mourning and more on celebrating the deceased’s life with loved ones who are still with us.

Memorial services often include reading tributes aloud, sharing the person’s memories, and celebrating their life. The services may take place at a funeral home, a religious or community building, or even outdoors, and tend to be much smaller than regular funerals.

Memorial services are also very flexible, so you can include elements that the deceased loved and were important to them. Families put together a collage of photos, mementos, and other items that capture their loved one’s personality.

Others incorporate music and art or have a tree planted in remembrance. Friends and family can also speak about what the person meant to them at the memorial service, which can be a beautiful way to celebrate their life.

Scattering ashes or burial at sea

If your loved one had strong ties to nature, scattering their ashes in a beautiful outdoor place might be a fitting tribute. But they don’t have to for this to be a suitable alternative. This can happen in a botanical garden, a forest, or other natural settings.

Alternatively, you can scatter ashes at sea, which has become an increasingly popular choice in recent years. Scattering at sea can happen in any ocean or coastal waters, as long as it’s at least three nautical miles away from land.

If you want to bury your loved one’s ashes, you can have a burial at sea. Burial at sea is often an attractive option for people who want to be environmentally responsible and avoid the cost of a traditional burial.

Athletic Tributes

Suppose the person who has passed loved participating in sports. In that case, you may want to organize a tribute that honors their athletic pursuits and achievements. You can do this by creating athletic-themed tributes.

You can hold a sports memorabilia auction, or raffle, or host a sports-themed trivia night. Having a sports-themed funeral or memorial service is also popular.

It may include pictures of the person playing the sport, sports memorabilia, or other items that represent the person’s athletic achievements and passions.

A lot of these alternatives are easier to execute when you choose cremation. Contact us if you’re considering cremation services in Phoenix, AZ. We will work with you to arrange a ceremony that captures your loved one’s essence.