Cremation, which has seen a recent rise in popularity as people have started to realize how limited cemetery space and their own budgets are, is still not well understood by everyone. Here are some questions you may have about the process during your initial investigation into the possibility for yourself or a loved one.

1. Is it possible to have a viewing?

Yes, it's entirely possible to have a viewing before the cremation. In fact, most families do. Of course, those relatives who aren't going to be able to fly in until the funeral service (if you're having the cremation and the funeral separately) may not be able to come to the viewing, but for the family members and friends who can come, a viewing can be a very comforting and meaningful experience.

2. How many ashes will remain after the cremation?

Since the cremation process uses both flames and heat, most of the remains may actually be vaporized, meaning that the ashes (sometimes called "cremains) will be very small compared to the person's size in life. The amount of cremains normally left after cremation is between three and nine pounds, but where your cremains will fall in this spectrum is not determined by your weight since the cremains are more associated with your bone mass. This means that individuals who are taller and wider-framed will end up in the high range of the spectrum, while the lower range is more the province of small children.

3. Can the family watch the cremation process?

Sort of. This really depends on the funeral home you choose. If they don't, they may still allow the family to witness the placement of the loved one's remains into the cremation chamber. Remember, you'll get the cremains back, so this isn't your last chance to say a meaningful farewell to your loved one.

4. What's so eco-friendly about cremation?

Although there are many types of "green" funeral arrangements being developed today (such as alkaline hydrolysis, natural burial, and so on), cremation is still the most popular among these options. Cremation doesn't take up as much ground (even if you choose to have your cremains interred, the plot of ground required is much smaller) and doesn't require burying large, fancy caskets or the use of embalming fluid.

These four FAQs will help you better understand the cremation process. Whether you're planning the funeral of a loved one now or whether you're planning for your own eventual funeral far in the future, cremation is a great choice that's both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Contact a funeral home like Romero Family Funeral Home Corp. for more information.