Long beach, CA Funeral Homes | Funeral Services

Funerals are a part of life. They are an important ritual. California funeral homes will help you arrange traditional or alternative funerals. They will address all pertinent issues and concerns. California funeral services can reflect any religious or secular rite you feel necessary. Funeral directors are very concerned with and aware of the latest trends. They have the knowledge to help you understand and choose the right one from among the various types of funerals.
Types of California Funeral Services
Whether you live in Ohio or California, funeral services fall into specific categories or types. These may change over the years so it is important you talk to a variety of California funeral homes to get a good overview. Essentially, you will learn there are four different types of funeral services. These include:

1. Traditional full-service funerals
2. Direct burials
3. Direct cremations
4. Alternative funerals

Not all types suit every family or the deceased. Each individual has different preferences or expectations. What someone may consider right for them others will not care for at all. This is where California funeral homes and their directors help. They work hard to ensure everyone gets the funeral they want.
Traditional Funerals
This funeral follows a time-old pattern. The funeral has a visitation period, a viewing period and than a formal funeral service. A hearse may transport the family to the cemetery. In California, funeral services that fall into this category are easy to arrange. They also are comforting to many individuals. Do note, however, a traditional funeral is one of the more expensive options. For further information, contact local California funeral homes or funeral directors.
Direct Burials
With a direct burial, there is neither a viewing nor a funeral service. The family can determine whether to hold a graveside service. If this is the case, mourners may attend the internment. This occurs quickly following death. The lack of funeral services reduces the cost of the overall funeral. Talk to a funeral director to clarify details about this less expensive funeral.
Direct Cremations
Shortly following death, cremation will occur. The funeral director then places these within a container or urn. While an actual funeral service does not usually occur, it is very common to make a memorial part of this process. California funeral homes will allow you to have the urn present during this ceremony. Like direct burials, this option is less expensive than the traditional burial
Green Burials
For California funeral homes, green burials are a specific type of funeral service they can provide. It offers a viable alternative to a traditional funeral or cremation. It may or may not involve an actual funeral service. Memorials are common. Often they take place at the graveside.
Green burials are less expensive than most forms of funeral. The lack of a traditional coffin reduces the overall cost substantially. Since embalming is not permitted, this also cuts down on the price. Overall California funeral services of this nature make the ritual more affordable. More importantly, in the eyes of environmentalists, such a funeral reduces the impact of burial on the planet.
The state of California permits Green or Natural burials. There are legal issues to consider when looking at this option. As noted above, a Green Burial does not permit embalming. In California, legislation does not necessitate this process. However, if the body is to remain above ground for more than 24 hours, California law does require embalming take place.
For further clarification about this and any other applicable California funeral services laws, talk to local funeral directors. They can determine not only whether a Green Burial will meet the needs of both the philosophy and pocketbook of the deceased, but also whether the method is legal in the state of California.
Other Options
When it comes to funeral services, other options affecting the environmental impact and cost of the funeral services do exist. When it comes to the overall expense of California funeral services, replacing flowers with donations, using greener programs and other materials, holding a memorial at home and omitting a funeral service, can all help reduce the environmental impact while reducing costs.
Carefully consider your green options when considering the various types of California funeral services. Funeral directors can help you decide on how to green your funeral service while reducing the cost in general.
The Role of California Funeral Homes
What type of funeral you decide upon for your loved one, ultimately rests upon you and your family. Factors such as religion, traditions and the departed's personal preference will affect the choice you make. When it comes to making the final decisions, talk to funeral directors about the type of California funeral services available. Weigh the options and then decide what is right for the deceased, the family and friends.