As special as funerals organized by funeral homes in Avondale, PA can be, not everyone wants something traditional. Burials and the accompanying funeral rites can also be expensive. 

Fortunately, it’s legal not to have a funeral, and several affordable, informal alternatives exist. Here are some of them. 

1. Cremation with a service 

This is the most popular alternative to having a burial. It saves you from the cost and stress of acquiring a burial plot, buying a casket, and transportation. 

The funeral home or crematorium will incinerate the body and return the ashes to you. It’s particularly convenient if you cannot travel to make burial arrangements or are too overwhelmed with the loss to plan properly. 

Cremation buys you time and flexibility to plan a memorial when you’re ready. And if you don’t want a service, direct cremation is an option too. 

2. Celebration of life 

Instead of a formal memorial service, you can have a celebration of life. It is an informal event with a more upbeat mood. Family and well-wishers come together to celebrate the deceased’s life rather than mourn their passing. 

The informal nature of the event means it can take whatever form you want. It can be a themed event with costumes of your loved one’s favorite things, and you can hold it anywhere. It doesn’t have to be a church or funeral home. 

Furthermore, a celebration of life is a suitable alternative regardless of whether it’s a burial or cremation. 

3. Scattering ceremony 

You can still have a committal ceremony without burial, and it doesn’t have to be in a cemetery. A scattering ceremony is a small service that accompanies spreading a loved one’s ashes. 

This alternative to a graveside committal service allows you to plan something personal and intimate without the cost of procuring a plot or casket. 

You can hold it alone or with a group of family and close friends. Many people hold theirs on a beach because of the natural significance, but you can have it anywhere. Usually somewhere meaningful to you or your loved one. 

4. Tree planting 

Don’t want a ceremony at all? Then consider planting a tree in a meaningful location. It doesn’t have to be a tree, either. It can be a bench or a garden. Something you (and others) can come back to reflect on and remember your loved one by. 

If you choose to go with planting a tree, you can mix their ashes with the soil if you have a cremation. It symbolizes the return to nature, usually expressed at formal committal services. 

5. Birthday memorial 

Since it’s not illegal to skip the funeral before or after a burial, you can take your time instead and have a memorial service on a more significant date. 

You can start a new tradition of having a memorial dinner, road trip, or an activity they enjoyed on their birthday or anniversary. 

This option not only gives you space to plan something at your convenience but is also more personal. 

These are just a few ideas. There are plenty more unique ways to honor your loved one instead of a burial or funeral. 

Whichever one you choose, our Avondale, PA funeral home is here to help you execute your vision. Call us when you’re ready to get started or visit our location to chat with our funeral director in person.