What to Know About Burial Options With Funeral Home and Cremations in Arbutus, MD

We are a locally-owned provider of funeral and cremation services in Arbutus, MD, and the neighboring areas. We have been in operation for 22 years and take great pride in caring for the families we serve. Our personalized services and attention to detail guarantee the best experience during the funeral planning process. We have our own private crematory that ensures your loved one does not leave our facility during cremation. We invite you to discover The Loudon Park Difference by contacting us at (410) 644-1900.

When making plans for funeral home and cremations in Arbutus, MD, it is a good idea to begin with the end in mind. In this case, the end we are referring to is where the final disposition of the remains will be. Understanding your choices around burial options can help you make these decisions.

First, there are several types of cemeteries that are available for a final resting place. If you already know you want a large, upright headstone for a monumental cemetery, you can have that arranged. Conversely, a lawn cemetery does not allow vertical upright gravestones, so if a low profile plaque seems more fitting, that might be a good choice. Some cemeteries allow both styles.

If above-ground burial is sought, look into cemeteries or memorial parks that have mausoleums. These tomblike structures have spaces to receive the casketed remains. They are secure enclosures that create an impressive monument in and of themselves. A columbarium wall is an above-ground burial solution for cremated remains.

Natural burial grounds are rising in popularity around the country. For those who wish to be environmentally conscious, choosing a natural burial site can be a great choice. These burial styles are also sometimes called “green burials.” Most natural burial cemeteries are much less manicured than conventional burial grounds. Frequently they are situated in a more natural setting like a woodland area or meadow. And graves are often marked with a tree, bush, or natural stone. The rules vary between establishments, so finding the one that fits your needs is essential.

Understanding Cremation

Cremation reduces deceased remains to a collection of sand-like grains called “ashes” or “cremains.” This is done through exposure to high heat and flames. Any remaining fragments are processed thereafter for a uniform texture. Cremation is preparation for final disposition or memorializing placement. The process does not constitute a funeral or honoring ceremony. Those services can be held for someone who is being cremated.

The actual process of cremation is relatively simple to understand. Laws and local regulations ensure that this procedure is handled in a professional and ethical way. If no funeral is to be held, many crematories allow for the unembalmed body of the deceased to be briefly viewed for a final goodbye. No cremations can be performed without the necessary permits and required waiting periods fulfilled first.

The body is typically laid within a flammable and lightweight box for privacy and handling. The box is placed in the retort (cremation chamber). The heat is ignited and allowed to rise to very high temperatures. Within just a few hours, all that remains are some fragments of bone. All of the contents are collected. The larger pieces are ground to grains. The ashes are returned to the family in some type of container.

Ashen remains can be handled in multiple ways. The cremains could receive earthen burial at a cemetery or memorial park. They could be scattered in a beloved location in compliance with local laws. Some cemeteries and memorial parks also offer scattering gardens for that purpose. A decorative urn could keep the remains close by at home too.

Honoring Options for Funeral Home and Cremations in Arbutus, MD

Funerals are ceremonies that are held soon after a death occurs. They create an opportunity for grieving family and friends to gather and remember their loved one. It is thought to be a helpful tool in the healing process after a loss. Funerals have the body of the deceased present, which can provide a sense of closure and help us accept the reality of the loss. Funerals can be held at a private residence, one’s church, or within a funeral chapel.

Chapel or graveside services are usually held at the burial site. Often these services are brief and intimate. Eulogies may be spoken, and close loved ones buoy each other up. It can be a beautiful goodbye for those wishing to avoid a large ceremony connected to funeral home and cremations in Arbutus, MD.

Memorial services offer a nice alternative to funerals. The major difference between funerals and memorials is the location of the deceased’s body. With a memorial service, the dead are not present in the intact form. Cremated remains could be present, though. Memorials work very well when more time is needed to plan the service. It also helps those who need more time for loved ones to gather together.

See Our Facility

As you make plans to lay a loved one to rest, take all of your questions about funeral home and cremations in Arbutus, MD, to Loudon Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. The experienced and professional staff are ready to help you through this time with compassion and kindness. We are located at 3620 Wilkens Ave, Baltimore, MD 21229 and may be reached by calling (410) 644-1900.

Funeral Home and Cremations FAQs

Do I need an urn?

The legislation does not mandate the use of an urn. If there will be a memorial service or the remains will be interred in a cemetery, an urn may be desired. The cremated remains will be returned in a temporary plastic container if the family does not purchase or supply an urn. Learn more.

How do I talk to my parents about funeral arrangements?

Discuss the types of funeral services each of your parents would choose. Inquire about whether they want to be buried or cremated. Whether it's the former, find out where they wish to be buried and if they have a burial spot already. If it's the latter, find out what they want to do to their ashes. Learn more about pre-need seminar.

What is the etiquette when someone passes away?

Mention the departed by name and express gratitude for his or her life. Offer to support the person/family in any manner you can (the more specific the better), and then follow through if they accept. Send flowers together with a letter or make a donation to a charity or a research group. Learn more.