At the Cremation Society of Northern Kentucky, we have been answering questions from grieving families in Northern Kentucky for generations. Over the years, many of these questions have changed. Now, we get more questions regarding cremations and “celebrations of life.” Some questions, however, have remained similar or the same. One area or question that remains deals with why we have traditional funerals, and what is their value? Here’s a closer look at traditional funerals and the role they play. They Provide Structure for Mourning A traditional funeral provides a specific place and time to ..read more

Some who experience grief try to do it on their own. They may even view counseling or asking for help as a sign of weakness. Intellectually, we understand the value of support and reaching out, but for many, it can still be a challenge. If you or someone you know is experiencing grief, it can help to understand why grief counseling is important. What Makes Grief Counseling Valuable The first thing to understand is that, when embraced, grief counseling can be very effective. It works. Understanding this can help to appreciate the functions of grief counseling. 1. It Helps with Acceptance One of ..read more

In spite of the fact that cremation is now the most popular form of final services, many still have questions about the process. Here are questions and answers to some most frequently asked questions regrading cremation. What is the primary difference between cremation and a traditional burial? The most significant difference is how the bodies are treated and disposed of after death. In a traditional burial, the body is embalmed and has an earth burial. In essence, an effort is made to preserve the body. With a cremation, the body is cremated in a special furnace at high temperatures. The ashe ..read more

Planning for end-of-life arrangements can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to burial and cremation. It’s important to separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions. We debunk some common myths surrounding burial and cremation to help you navigate this sensitive topic. Myth 1: Mandatory Burial Vaults Let’s dispel a common myth: there is no legal requirement for a burial vault. The decision to opt for a burial vault or not is entirely within your discretion. Our funeral home is dedicated to respecting your choices, offering guidance tailored to your preferences and needs, and ..read more

Today, there are more options for what to do with cremated remains. Referred to as ash cremains or even ashes, this is what is left following the process of cremation. Before we get into the specifics of the options available, there are two critical matters to settle when getting cremated. If possible, first, all close family members should agree on cremation. Secondly, the family should come to an agreement on the final disposition of the cremains. This is one of the reasons preplanning can be so valuable. When there is no doubt about the wishes of the deceased, it can make the planning proce ..read more

Many families in search of a funeral director for the first time have questions about all of the options available to them. Recently, more and more families have been requesting information about what is referred to as water cremation. What is it and how does it work? Is it a viable option for you? Here is a closer look. What is “Water Cremation”? Water cremation is also known as Alkaline Hydrolysis. As opposed to a traditional cremation, where a body is incinerated in high-temperature flames, water cremation, in essence, dissolves the body in liquid. It also saves electricity, reduces the emi ..read more

Decades ago, as cremation began gaining in popularity, how cremated remains were treated was far different than they are today. A person’s ashes, or cremains, were generally placed in an urn and either buried or placed in a mausoleum. Things began to change when families decided to keep the ashes of loved ones in traditional vase-like containers that quickly expanded to more versatile and even practical urns that included artwork, photos, clocks, and customizations. As many were choosing to keep ashes in modern, customized urns, others were “spreading” ashes to the wind, over water, and in pla ..read more

Much has been written about grief. Since so many people have experienced it, many individuals feel they are experts on the subject. Your aunt Helen, your cousin Jill, and uncle Bill may be all too willing to share their experiences and expertise with you. It can be well meaning, mind you, but one person’s reality may not be another’s.  Here are five facts about grief that most experts agree upon. Grief is Real and Normal Understanding this simple fact can go a long way toward helping you understand and deal with grief. Grief is not something in your imagination, and you are not abnormal f ..read more

You may have heard that cremations are rising in popularity. This is not a new trend, however. Cremations have become the choice of more families and those who have been preplanning their own funerals for generations. But what is behind the continued rise in the popularity of cremations? There are several main factors. Growing Acceptance There was a time, not too long ago, when some of the world’s religions frowned upon cremation. As the world has progressed, and views have become more enlightened, cremation has become more acceptable and even embraced. Lower Cost Cremations tend to cost less ..read more

How much do cremation services cost? We will frequently get inquiries that will start with this exact question. It is understandable since one of the attractive aspects of cremation is that it is more affordable than a traditional funeral and burial. It is one of the driving forces that has made cremation a popular choice for final services. Before we get into specifics and some actual pricing examples it is important to understand that costs of both traditional burials and cremation services can vary widely depending on the needs and desires of the family. All cremations are not less expensiv ..read more