We have probably all heard the phrase, “you can’t take it with you”. This is normally said when it comes to money and how you cannot take it with you when you pass away. While this may be true, there are certain items that you can take with you. Many people are aware that personal items may be placed in a casket with the loved one for a burial, but did you know you can also include items with your loved one’s cremation services in Batavia, NY?

While there are limitations on what you can and cannot add with a cremation, families have quite a few choices of mementos that can be included. This can bring the family great comfort in knowing they can send personal items with their loved one. Let’s look at exactly what can- and can’t- be included.

Items that Can be Included:

These items are safe and allowed to be included in the cremation process:

• Soft toys such as stuffed animals
• Letters – These could be old letters you had saved, or you could write a new letter to your loved one
• Wooden items such as rosary beads
• Pieces of special clothing
• Special photographs
• Flowers
• Books
• Some jewelry may be permitted

Items That Cannot be Included

These items are not deemed safe and are not allowed to be included in the cremation process. This is decided by the way the item may interact with the high heat or the environment once burned. If they pose any safety risk, they are not permitted. Items that are not allowed include:

• Pacemakers
• Bottles of alcohol
• Lighters
• Glass items
• Materials like rubber, latex, leather, and vinyl
• Glass or plastic jars or containers
• Anything with a battery in it

Special Considerations

If you or your family would like to add personal items in with your loved ones’ cremation services, make sure the cremation director is aware of this before any services are decided upon. This is because if families choose what is called “direct cremation”, there may simply not be time for the family to include any items. This is because this cremation service happens very quickly with the body being cremated in a very short timeline when it arrives at the crematory.

Another factor to consider is if your loved one had any religious beliefs, you need to ensure they coincide with the cremation as well as any items that are included as well as what they are dressed in. Some religions have very specific protocol on how cremations and the body should be handled. If you are unsure about any of their beliefs, find a religious leader to talk to and answer your questions.



When meeting with the cremation director about your loved one’s cremation services in Batavia, NY., they will be able to help you decide the best type of cremation services as well as assist you in knowing what items you may be able to include. And as always, we are here to answer any questions you have so please feel free to reach out to us anytime.