Some people think of cremation as an alternative. Some people think it is just there for those of us who aren’t entirely comfortable with the idea of burial. There is certainly some truth to that, but there really is a lot more to the idea of cremation itself. There are any number of reasons to independently prefer it, and you may want to think about some of those reasons as well. If you or someone you know is looking into cremation services in or near Charleston, SC, you should know that there are funeral homes in your area that are ready to speak with you about all of your options. Whether you are interested in burial or cremation (or simply have a few questions about both), it certainly makes sense to speak with a professional who can address any questions or concerns you may have. 

McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation handles cremation and burial alike. We don’t have any stake in the matter, so we won’t try and talk you into one solution or the other. This is all about you. It is all about your needs and preferences. We can’t make this kind of decision for you, and it is important that you have the space and autonomy to do so on your own. That said, we are here for you. We understand that you may wish to know more about your options and what they might mean for you and your family. We can discuss those options in much greater detail and even walk you through each process so that you understand what is at stake a little more clearly. That is the least that we can do. 

You really shouldn’t think of Cremation as having been some kind of alternative. It is certainly true that it is an alternative to burial. It is certainly true that burial was more widely practiced in the United States for many years. But things have changed. And the truth is that cremation has been around for ages, especially from a global perspective. The important thing to realize is that cremation has its own merits. It isn’t just for people who don’t like the idea of burial. It isn’t just for those who want something different. 

For one thing, cremation is often more affordable than burial. That is thanks in part to its simplicity. It doesn’t require you to buy any land, and it doesn’t require an expensive casket. You can certainly opt to spend some money on some kind of urn, but that often isn’t necessary—especially for those of us working with a strict budget. 

Cremation is also unique in that it allows you to do a number of different things with the remains themselves. They can be displayed in an urn, scattered somewhere symbolic, or even used to create artwork. There are a lot of options, and that’s a big part of what makes cremation special. It isn’t just another way to do things. It is a dignified and meaningful option in its own right. 

If you are interested in cremation services in the Charleston, SC, area, consider reaching out to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation. We would love to speak with you more about things like cremation and burial, or of course anything else that comes to mind. We aren’t just here to plan funerals or memorial services. We are also a resource for the community and those we serve. We take that job very seriously as well. Give us a call.