Simple Cremation with Private Family Goodbye

For many families, direct cremation feels right — but so does having one last moment together with their loved one before the cremation takes place. Our Simple Cremation with Private Family Goodbye package was designed exactly for that. It combines the simplicity and affordability of direct cremation with a private, intimate viewing at our facility prior to cremation, so your family can say goodbye on your own terms.

This is not a formal funeral service. There is no public visitation, no embalming required, and no large gathering to organize. It is a quiet, private moment — up to 10 family members, 30 minutes, in a respectful and caring setting at our crematory in Palmetto, Florida.

At AM Cremation & Funeral Care, we are a family-owned, licensed funeral home with our own on-site crematory. Your loved one stays in our care from the moment of removal through the completion of cremation and return of cremated remains — never transported to an outside facility.

If a death has occurred and you need immediate assistance, please call (941) 212-1093 ext. 1.

This package includes everything in our Simple Cremation Package with the addition of a private family viewing at our facility prior to cremation.

This package includes:

• Refrigeration and shelter of your loved one at our facility

• Arrangement conference — at our office, by phone, or online

• All required documents prepared and filed

• 1 certified copy of the Death Certificate

• Social Security Administration notified

• Cremation fee (up to 350 lbs.) and alternative container

• Cremation performed by one of our certified crematory operators at our own facility

• Basic polymer urn for cremated remains

• Obituary posted on our website at no charge

• Private family viewing at our facility — up to 10 family members for 30 minutes

• Presentation of your loved one in a coverlet alternative container for respectful viewing

• Other preparation of non-embalmed remains

Pricing notes: This package assumes prompt payment by personal check, cash, or credit/debit card, due on the day arrangements are made and prior to cremation. If payment is not made as agreed, the prompt pay discount is void and pricing reverts to our standard Direct Cremation price of $1,345 plus $550 for the Private Family Goodbye. The discounted removal fee of $250 is additional, within a 50-mile radius with up to 2 technicians. Outside the service area or additional technicians will incur additional fees. An atypical weight surcharge may apply for decedents over 350 lbs.

Cremation is generally completed within 10–12 business days and is dependent on receipt of all required authorizations, approvals, payment in full, and the current crematory operating schedule.

Please note: Obituary placement assistance with newspapers is not included in this package. Additional charges will apply for composition and newspaper publication fees.

What to Expect at a Private Family Goodbye

For families who have not experienced a private viewing before cremation, here is what the process looks like at our facility.

Your loved one will be carefully and respectfully prepared for viewing in a coverlet alternative container. Embalming is generally not required for this type of viewing, though it may be necessary depending on the condition of your loved one at the time we receive them — such as in cases involving a full autopsy. Our staff will discuss this with your family during the arrangement conference if it applies to your situation.

The viewing is limited to up to 10 family members and 30 minutes at our facility. This is designed to be an intimate, personal experience — a moment for your family to gather, say goodbye, and find some peace before the cremation proceeds. Our staff will be present and available but will give your family the privacy and space you need.

If you have questions about what to expect or what is appropriate to bring — flowers, a personal item, a photograph — please do not hesitate to call us in advance. We want this moment to be as meaningful and comfortable as possible for your family.

Is This Package Right for Your Family?

This package is a natural fit for families who:

• Want the affordability and simplicity of direct cremation but feel the need for a final goodbye before cremation takes place

• Are not interested in a formal public funeral or visitation but want immediate family to have a moment together

• Have loved ones who may be traveling from out of town and want to be present before cremation

• Prefer a private, quiet gathering rather than a traditional funeral service

If you are considering a more formal service — such as a memorial service after cremation, or a funeral service with a larger gathering — we offer those options as well. Call us and we can walk you through everything available to find what fits your family best.

What Happens After the Viewing

Following the private family goodbye, your loved one remains in our care at our facility until all required approvals have been received — including Medical Examiner approval, the state disposition permit, and signed cremation authorization from all legal next of kin. Once everything is in order, cremation is performed by one of our certified crematory operators at our on-site crematory and is generally completed within 10–12 business days from the receipt of all required authorizations, approvals, and payment.

Once cremation is complete, the cremated remains are carefully processed and placed in the basic polymer urn included with the package. Your family can then arrange pickup at our facility or add delivery of cremated remains within 50 miles for an additional $125.

For guidance on your options after receiving the cremated remains, see our guide: What to Do With Ashes After Cremation: 10 Meaningful Options →

Medical Examiner Fees

Florida law requires Medical Examiner review and approval before any cremation can occur. This fee is not included in package pricing and varies by county:

• Manatee County: $35

• Sarasota County: $35

• Pinellas County: $40

• Charlotte County: $0

• Hillsborough County: $50

• DeSoto County: $35

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my loved one need to be embalmed for the private viewing? Embalming is generally not required for a private family viewing and is not included in this package. However, it may be necessary depending on the condition of your loved one at the time we receive them, such as in cases involving a full autopsy. If embalming is needed or requested, it can be arranged for an additional fee. Our staff will discuss this with your family during the arrangement conference.

Can more than 10 family members attend? The Private Family Goodbye package is designed for an intimate gathering of up to 10 family members for 30 minutes at our facility. If you anticipate a larger group or a longer gathering, please call us so we can discuss the options available to accommodate your family's needs.

Can we bring flowers or personal items? Yes. Families are welcome to bring flowers, photographs, or small personal mementos to the viewing. Please call us in advance if you have any specific questions about what you would like to bring so we can make sure everything is ready for your family's arrival.

Can we hold a memorial service after the cremation? Absolutely. Many families choose to hold a memorial service or celebration of life after the cremation is complete. While we do not host memorial services at our facility, we can provide staff assistance and supervision at an outside location of your choosing. Use of staff for a memorial service at another facility is available for $495.

Is witness cremation an option with this package? Witness cremation — where a family member is present at the start of the cremation process — is available as an add-on for $300. This is separate from the Private Family Goodbye viewing and would take place at the time of cremation rather than prior to it. Please let us know at the time of arrangement if this is something your family would like.

Questions? We're Here to Help.

Our staff is available to answer any questions about this package, what to expect during the viewing, or any other aspect of the process. Arrangements can be made at our office, by phone, or online from the comfort of your home.

Call (941) 212-1093 ext. 1 for immediate assistance. Toll free: 1-800-516-2188

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