The Future Of Maine Cremation And New Trends In The Industry
Funeral services have been around since the beginning of human civilization. They allow family members to grieve, process their emotions, and pay their respects to their lost loved ones. However, traditional funerals have become increasingly expensive and environmentally unsustainable. As a result, people are looking for alternatives to conventional burial and funeral practices such as direct cremation.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), cremation rates have been steadily increasing in the past few years. In 2010, traditional funerals accounted for 53.3% of funerals, while cremation was 40.4%. However, in 2015, cremations jumped to 47.9%, while conventional funerals fell to 45.2%. It is projected that by 2025, cremation rates will reach 63.3% while traditional funerals will fall to 30.9%.
One of the main reasons for this shift in preferences is cost. Traditional funerals are becoming more and more expensive every year, making them unaffordable for many families. On average, the total cost of a traditional funeral can be upwards of $9,000, while a cremation can cost between $800 to $3,000, making it a much more affordable option. However, beyond cost, there are several emerging trends and technologies in the Maine cremation industry that are transforming the way we say goodbye to our loved ones.
The Future Of Maine Cremation: Virtual Funerals
The first growing trend we’re seeing in the Maine cremation industry is virtual funerals. These funerals have become increasingly popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing people to attend funerals from the comfort of their own homes. With apps such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, Periscope, and other professional streaming services, this trend will likely continue and become a staple service in the funeral industry. This technology is beneficial in the growing digital age by allowing people to attend regardless of location, transportation, or health.
Integrating Technology
Technology has also been introduced into the funeral industry in a major way. Many funeral homes have increased their online presence, allowing consumers to access valuable information and even request funeral services directly through their websites. Another emerging trend is headstone technology, where NFC-enabled microchips or QR codes are embedded into a weather-proof headstone, allowing visitors to access online websites that have images, information, and videos about their loved ones.
Body Donation
A whole-body donation is an end-of-life option that is not only cost-effective but also incredibly beneficial to healthcare research and education. Opting for a whole body donation program can be done before death or after death, and the program will work with families to cover the cost of transportation, cremation, paperwork, and returning a loved one’s remains. This option is a huge financial relief for families and offers amazing strides in disease/cancer research, medical education, and surgical device development for generations to come.
At-Home Funerals
As the name suggests, at-home funerals are held in a family member’s home and are legal in all states. These funerals cut down on many common funeral costs and are considered to be eco-friendly. They also help families process their grief by being personally involved. Some common cost-cutting measures include opting for freezing instead of embalming and, though not required, using a Death Midwifery instead of a traditional funeral home director. Nine states require working with a funeral director to file a death certificate or supervise a funeral and burial.
Creative Alternatives to Cremation
As cremation services continue to gain popularity, so do creative alternatives to traditional urns or scattering. Families can opt to use cremated remains for space burials, tree planting burials, sea burials, and even incorporated into fireworks.
The Future Of Maine Cremation Using Emerging Technology
As the funeral industry evolves, new technologies are being introduced to help families grieve and remember their loved ones in unique and meaningful ways. For example, some companies offer the option to turn cremated remains into diamonds that can be worn as jewelry or incorporated into other keepsakes. Others are using 3D printing to create lifelike urns and other objects that can be customized to reflect the personality of the deceased.
Another emerging trend is the use of virtual reality (VR) to create immersive memorial experiences. With VR technology, families can create virtual spaces where they can visit with their loved ones, leave messages, and share memories. This can be a powerful tool for families who are unable to travel or who simply want to connect with their loved ones in a unique and meaningful way.
The future of the funeral industry is changing rapidly, and cremation in Maine is just one of the many trends that are emerging. As families seek more affordable and eco-friendly options, cremation will likely become even more popular in the years ahead. However, there are also many other emerging trends and technologies that are transforming the way we say goodbye to our loved ones. From virtual funerals to body donation programs, the funeral industry is evolving to meet the changing needs of families in the 21st century.
At Maine Cremation Care in Gorham, Maine, we want to help you make the right choice for your loved one or your family. If you think cremation might be right for you in the future or for a loved one, we want to talk to you and help you make the best decision for your unique situation. Please feel free to reach out to us by filling out a contact form, or if you have an immediate need, please call our 24/7 number.
