Common Misconceptions in Cremation and Funeral Planning: What You Need to Know

When it comes to cremation and funeral planning, misinformation is surprisingly common. After all, most of us lack experienced know-how in dealing with the loss of a loved one. Whether there is a misunderstanding about the costs associated, legal and religious requirements, or confusion about the process and ways to memorialize their dearly departed, many families find themselves overwhelmed by myths and misconceptions that can lead to unnecessary stress. With such an important decision, it’s crucial to know the facts so families have the power to make informed choices that align with their values and financial situations. 

At First Memorial Funeral Services – Fairview Chapel, we are steadfastly committed to excellent service, flexibility of options, and affordable cost. We recognize and appreciate that planning end-of-life arrangements is a deeply personal and emotional experience. Our goal is to guide families with accurate, clear, and trustworthy information so they can bid farewell to their loved ones without feeling completely overwhelmed by the process. 

In this blog, we will debunk the common myths surrounding cremation and funeral services, covering topics such as cost, legal requirements, religious considerations, the cremation process, and memorial options. By addressing these misconceptions, we aim to educate individuals and families with the knowledge they need to make confident, well-informed decisions. 

Whether you’re considering pre-planning your arrangements or making decisions for a loved one, understanding the truth behind these common myths will help ensure you receive dignified, affordable, and appropriate services without unnecessary complications. 

One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of funeral planning is cost. Many people assume that cremation is always the cheapest option or that funerals are inherently expensive. These misconceptions can lead to financial strain, stress, or rushed decisions that don’t fully align with a family’s values or budget. We always prioritize transparent pricing and affordable options, ensuring that every family can make informed choices. 

Below are some of the most frequently encountered myths we hear regarding funeral and cremation costs. Let’s uncover the reality. 

The Truth: While cremation is often more affordable than a traditional burial, it isn’t always the least expensive option. The total cost of cremation depends on several factors, including: 

• Type of cremation: A direct cremation (without a service) is typically the most affordable option, while a more traditional cremation with a memorial service may involve additional costs. 

• Additional services: Some families opt for viewings, ceremonies, or personalized urns, which can increase the overall expense. 

• Cremation fees: Depending on the province and funeral provider, there may be permit fees, transportation costs, or additional services required. 

💡 Solution: When your family needs to make a decision, take the time to compare cremation packages and understand what’s included to avoid hidden costs. First Memorial Funeral Services offers affordable cremation options with clear, upfront pricing so there are no surprises. 

The Truth: Traditional funerals can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. Many people assume that all funerals come with high costs for caskets, embalming, and elaborate ceremonies. In reality, this is not always the case. 

• Simple, affordable funerals are available, and families can choose the services that fit their budget. 

• Funeral homes like First Memorial Funeral Services can help arrange for provide cost-effective options for traditional and cremation-based services. 

• Pre-planning a funeral allows families to lock in today’s prices and avoid inflation, making arrangements more manageable over time. 

💡 Solution: It’s essential to work with a funeral provider that offers flexible, affordable options and provides detailed price breakdowns.  

Cremation is a choice that many families are considering, yet misconceptions about the process can create unnecessary concerns. Ancient cultures followed certain traditions to cremate their loved ones, and some myths may stem from these customs. Some believe cremation is an open-flame process, while others think the body must be embalmed first. These myths can lead to confusion and hesitation when making end-of-life decisions. 

The Truth: The cremation process uses high heat in a furnace, not an open flame. 

• The body is placed in a cremation chamber, where temperatures reach 800 to 1000°C. 

• The process reduces the body to bone fragments through heat and evaporation. 

• Afterward, the remains are processed into a fine, sand-like consistency (commonly called ashes). 

💡 Key Takeaway: Cremation is a controlled, respectful process, not an open-fire method. 

The Truth: Embalming is not required for cremation unless there is a public viewing beforehand. 

• Direct cremation (cremation without a viewing) does not require embalming. 

• Some families choose to have a viewing or visitation first, in which case embalming may be necessary. 

💡 Key Takeaway: Embalming is a personal choice and not a requirement for cremation. 

The Truth: There is a legal process to be followed first, and the entire cremation process typically takes a few days. 

• Families must complete legal paperwork and obtain authorization before cremation can occur. 

• The process involves permits, approvals, and documentation to ensure compliance with provincial regulations. 

• Cremation itself takes 2 to 3 hours, but the entire process (including paperwork) may take a few days. 

💡 Key Takeaway: Cremation isn’t instant—there are legal and ethical procedures in place to ensure a respectful process. 

Many people are unaware of the legal requirements surrounding cremation, and funeral planning, leading to confusion and stress during an already difficult time. Misconceptions about organ donation, cremation authorization, and next-of-kin rights can complicate the process, leaving families unsure of what steps to take. 

When families come to us, we prioritize clarity, transparency, and guidance. We want to ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities when planning a cremation, burial, or funeral service. 

Let’s address some of the most common legal misconceptions about end-of-life arrangements. 

The Truth: In Canada, legal authorization is always required before a cremation can take place. There are several steps involved to ensure that a cremation is legally conducted, including: 

• Written consent from the next of kin or the individual who has legal authority to make funeral arrangements. 

• A coroner’s certificate or medical authorization confirming that the cremation is permissible. 

• Compliance with provincial laws and regulations, which vary depending on the location. 

​​(Government of Ontario, 2024)​ 

💡 Solution: If you are planning a cremation for a loved one, make sure you understand the legal documents that are required in your province. Our team at First Memorial Funeral Services will guide you through the process, ensuring all paperwork is completed correctly. 

The Truth: While immediate family members are often the first to make funeral arrangements, legal next-of-kin rights can vary depending on circumstances and provincial laws. 

• In some cases, a spouse, adult child, or sibling has the primary legal authority to make decisions. 

• If there is no immediate family, a designated executor or legal representative may take responsibility. 

• In situations where there is disagreement among family members, provincial laws determine who has the final say in funeral decisions. 

​​(Government of Ontario, 2024)​ 

💡 Solution: To avoid disputes and ensure your final wishes are respected, consider pre-planning your arrangements and legally documenting your preferences. A written will or pre-arranged funeral plan can provide clarity and prevent conflicts.  

Religious and cultural beliefs play a significant role in funeral and cremation decisions. However, there are many misconceptions about whether cremation is accepted by major religions, if cultural traditions allow it, and how funeral homes accommodate diverse needs. Take note that different denominations in the same religion can hold very different beliefs, and often there are no set funeral rituals to follow. 

At First Memorial Funeral Services, we understand that every family’s traditions and beliefs are unique. Our goal is to provide accurate information so you can make the best decision for yourself or your loved ones. 

The Truth: Many religions allow cremation, while some even encourage it. Here’s a quick look at different perspectives: 

✅Christianity and Catholicism: Some denominations historically preferred burial, but many now accept cremation. The Catholic Church permits cremation but not the act of ash scattering. 

✅Hinduism and Buddhism: Cremation is preferred in these faiths, as it aligns with beliefs about the soul’s journey. 

⏺️Judaism: Traditional Jewish law favors burial, but some progressive Jewish communities now accept cremation. 

⛔️Islam: Islamic tradition generally requires burial, but some families inquire about cremation based on personal circumstances. 

​​(Uzell, 2018)​ 

💡 Key Takeaway: If you’re unsure, speak with your religious leader or a funeral professional to explore options that honour both your beliefs and personal wishes. 

The Truth: A compassionate and experienced funeral home will respect and accommodate various religious and cultural traditions. 

At First Memorial Funeral Services, we have a network of funeral homes that will: 

• Offer culturally and religiously sensitive services, including traditional memorials and cremation rites. 

• Work with religious leaders and community representatives to ensure that customs are followed. 

• Provide personalized options for those who wish to combine traditional elements with modern funeral practices. 

💡 Key Takeaway: Whether you choose cremation or burial, our team ensures your loved one’s service is handled with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity. 

One of the biggest misconceptions about cremation is that it limits memorial and remembrance options. Many people believe that choosing cremation means you can’t have a traditional funeral, there’s no place to visit a loved one, or ashes must be kept at home. These myths often cause hesitation when considering cremation as an option. 

At First Memorial Funeral Services, we understand the importance of remembrance, which is why we offer a variety of ways to honour a loved one after cremation. 

The Truth: Choosing cremation does not mean you have to forgo a funeral or viewing. 

• Many families hold a traditional service before cremation, complete with a viewing, religious service, or personalized ceremony. 

• Others opt for a memorial service after cremation, allowing flexibility in timing to gather family members from different locations. 

• A celebration of life is another option, focusing on the stories, memories, and impact of a loved one’s life rather than traditional funeral customs. 

💡 Solution: Cremation allows more flexibility than burial—families can choose a service type and timing that works best for them. 

The Truth: There are many meaningful ways to handle a loved one’s ashes, beyond keeping them at home. 

At First Memorial Funeral Services, we offer a range of memorialization options to suit different personal preferences: 

• Traditional urns – Available in wood, metal, stone, porcelain, and eco-friendly materials. 

• Scattering tubes – Designed for dignified ash scattering in a special location. 

• Personalized engraving – Names, dates, and messages can be added to urns. 

• Memorial jewelry – Necklaces, pendants, and fingerprint jewelry that hold a portion of ashes. 

• Memory glass art – Ashes infused into stunning handcrafted glass keepsakes. 

• Undersea tribute – Ashes are incorporated into an artificial reef, helping marine life thrive. 

​​(Dignity Memorial, 2025)​ 

💡 Solution: Families can choose to keep, scatter, or transform ashes into a meaningful memorial that best represents their loved one’s life. 

The Truth: Just like traditional burials, cremation can offer a permanent place of remembrance where family and friends can visit and pay tribute. 

Some lasting memorialization options include: 

🌳 Memorial gardens – Ashes can be buried in a cemetery or memorial park.
🪵 Biodegradable urns – Designed for tree burials, growing new life from the ashes.
📜 Engraved plaques and markers – Placed in cemeteries, gardens, mausoleums, or family memorial sites.
🏡 Home memorials – Keepsake urns, customized frames, or memory displays. 

💡 Solution: If having a place to visit and reflect is important for your family, you can choose from various lasting memorial options that align with your sentiments and preferences. 

When it comes to cremation and funeral planning, misinformation can create unnecessary stress, confusion, and even financial strain. As we’ve explored in this guide, many common myths—whether about cost, legal requirements, religious beliefs, the cremation process, or memorialization options—can prevent families from making informed, confident decisions. 

At First Memorial Funeral Services – Fairview Chapel, we believe that every family deserves clear, accurate, and compassionate guidance when planning end-of-life arrangements. Whether you are considering pre-planning your own services or making decisions for a loved one, knowing the facts allows you to choose what truly aligns with your values, beliefs, and financial situation. 

“Over the years, we’ve been asked so many questions—sometimes from families feeling overwhelmed, sometimes from individuals just trying to plan ahead for their own peace of mind. Every single time, our goal has been the same: to provide clarity, comfort, and choices that feel right for each family,” says Caroline McNulty, General Manager of First Memorial Funeral Services. “No two lives are the same, so no two farewells should be either. We strive to make every service as personal as possible, ensuring families can celebrate their loved one in the way that feels most meaningful to them.” 

If you are considering cremation, taking the time to learn and plan ahead can bring peace of mind. At First Memorial Funeral Services – Fairview Chapel, we offer: 

• Pre-planning consultations to help you secure today’s prices and relieve the future burden on loved ones. 

• Transparent, affordable pricing with flexible options for every budget. 

• Compassionate, knowledgeable staff to answer any questions you have about cremation, funeral planning, and memorialization. 

📞 Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for personalized guidance. 

👉 Want to explore cremation and memorialization options? View our Cremation Catalog. 

​​Bibliography 

• ​​Dignity Memorial. (2025, March 14). Canadian Cremation Remembrance Catalog 2024. Retrieved from Dignity Memorial Website: https://catalogs.dignitymemorial.com/canadian-cremation-remembrance-catalog-2024.html 

• ​Government of Ontario. (2024, January 23). Arrange a funeral, burial, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis or scattering. Retrieved from Government of Ontario Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/arrange-funeral-burial-cremation-alkaline-hydrolysis-or-scattering#section-6 
• ​Uzell, J. (2018, March 27). Factsheet: Death and funerals in world religions. Retrieved from Religion Media Centre: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/death-funeral-rituals-in-world-religions/