Prior to the Cremation Process

 If the family of the deceased person is interested in having a funeral or other ceremony, these will normally take place prior to the  cremation. However, in cases where the family is not interested in having a viewing of the body, the cremation can take place  prior to the funeral. The family must also sign any relevant legal documents before the cremation takes place.

If the deceased person has any mechanical devices or implants, their family should notify the cremation director so that he or she  can remove them. Failing to remove these devices can cause damage to crematoriums, and the family may be responsible for the  cost of those damages. In addition, any personal artifacts that the family wishes to keep should be removed as they cannot be  gotten after the cremation.

 The Processing of the Remains

When it is time for the actual cremation, the body which is in an air tight casket or container will be placed in the cremation  chamber. There it will be enveloped in heat and flames that can reach temperatures ranging form 1,400 to 1,800 degrees  Fahrenheit. Almost everything in the chamber will be consumed by the fire. To ensure that the body is evenly burned, it may have  to be adjusted during the process. This is done by opening the door to the chamber and moving the body. The substances that will  not be consumed by the fire include jewelry, gold teeth, prosthetic limbs, casket latches or hinges, and other things made from  non-combustible materials.

The entire cremation may take anywhere from one and a half to three hours. Then, the remains will be allowed to cool. After they cool, they will be swept out of the chamber. Many people opt to have these remains placed in an urn. The contents of the urn will weigh anywhere from three to nine pounds, and they will appear white in color.

The non-combustible objects will be separated from any remaining bone fragments. According to most laws, the crematory staff will dispose of these objects in a manner which makes them impossible to retrieve.

After the Cremation Process

After the Cremation, the crematory will return the remains to the family. The family has the responsibility of choosing where to keep the remains. Their choice may be influenced by their individual religious beliefs. However, here are some examples of where families place their remains:

• A mausoleum or columbarium which may be located indoors or outdoors
• A family burial plot
• A special cemetery that provides places for urns
• Scattered in a special place as long as it is okay with local laws

Cremation Process: Additional Information

Religious Viewpoints on the Cremation Process

Generally speaking, cremating a body is forbidden in the Islamic and Orthodox Jewish faiths. Although the sentiment was often  different in the distant and more recent past, Christian denominations tend to support cremating if this is what the individual would  have wanted and is chosen by the remaining family members. Feelings regarding the body as the house of the soul often determine  whether or not cremating is viewed positively or negatively.

Cremation Process Details

Initial queries may focus on cost, location, and other logistical concerns, but there are other aspects to consider. Lingering doubts before, during, or after selecting the process do not have to cloud what can be a fitting way to handle a death. Accordingly, other things to consider include:

• Safety
• Security
• Family involvement
• Funeral home involvement
• Environmental impact

Although specifics often vary by state or jurisdiction, there are legal requirements that providers must follow to ensure safe handling of bodies and remains. Your chosen provider, therefore, should readily provide an explanation of their operating procedures and policies should you have any questions. Likewise, security procedures should be in place to minimize human error as much as possible. All of the cremated remains should be returned to you and your family, and it is not uncommon to witness the proceedings as part of the funeral service. While a funeral home can serve as an initial resource, the process of cremating is usually handled by a third party provider. It is worth noting that caskets are not required and may not be as good a choice as a container constructed purely of wood or even cardboard, as the container is cremated along with the body.

Why Cremation?

For more information on various aspects of the cremation process, please explore the rest of this site which will answer all of your questions.

Types of Cremation

 Typically, cremation services can be divided into three major categories. The type that you choose will have a direct impact on the final  price that you pay for the service. The three types of cremation are as follows:

• Cremation that occurs after a funeral or viewing
• Cremation that occurs prior to a funeral or wake service
• Cremation that occurs without a funeral or that occurs prior to a funeral which is planned by the family without the help of the funeral director

Cremation costs without a Funeral

In most cases, the family will pay a fee to the funeral director for preparing the body for a viewing. They may also pay an addition fee if he or she arranges a funeral or a viewing for the body. However, if they forgo these services, they will pay a cheaper rate. If you are only interested in cremation, the cost could be as low as $1000, but keep in mind cremation costs vary depending on location.

Cremation costs with a Funeral

When you opt to have a funeral or a viewing, you can expect to pay more for the cremation. However, the total price will still be less than what you would expect to pay for a traditional burial. There are several reasons that cremation is less than a burial.

A casket is required for a cremation, and normally, the cost of a casket can range from $500 to $10,000 or more. However, most families opt to have their deceased family members cremated in a cheaper casket. If they wish to have a more ornate casket at the funeral, they can simply rent one. After the ceremony, the body will be placed in the cheaper casket. Typically, cremation caskets are cheaper because they are simple wooden boxes that do not have any latches or other metal hardware. Those items are not included because they will not burn in the crematorium. Thus, they are a hindrance.

The second thing that makes cremation cheaper than burial is that the family can save money on the cost of a burial plot. If they opt to spread the ashes, they will not pay any fee. If they opt to use a spot at a cemetery, they can expect to pay less because they will be using less space.

While planning a funeral, the funeral director will probably work with all kinds of other professionals. Instead of letting them each send the grieving family a bill, he or she will collect the bills and give the family one large bill. Thus, the cost of the funeral can depend upon things like the cost of flowers, the cost of renting a church, the cost of getting a death certificate, and other factors.

When planning a cremation, it is important to speak with the funeral director about your exact wishes. The cremation costs will depend upon your individual preferences, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $4,000. Also, please be sure to checkout our other articles on cremation listed in the left sidebar, or at the top of the page.

How a Body is Prepared for Cremation

 Every state has different laws about how a body must be prepared for cremation. If the body is going to be shipped to another location, it  must be embalmed. In some states, the body must be embalmed regardless of the length of time between death and cremation. In other  states, if the body is going to be cremated quickly, it does not have to be embalmed. However, it must be refrigerated. This protects  crematorium workers from the risk of infections.

 Cremation Laws: When a Body Can be Cremated

The length of time that a person must be dead prior to cremation varies from state to state. However, most states require that the person be  dead for at least twenty four hours prior to the cremation. The reason for the waiting period is because once the body has been cremated, an autopsy cannot be performed to determine the exact cause of death. In some states, the county coroner or medical examiner must give their permission before the body can be legally cremated.

Individual versus Group Cremation

Most state laws mandate that each body must be cremated separately. In fact, most crematoriums have rigid cleaning guidelines that are followed between each cremation to ensure that no remains commingle. However, in certain states, if the family signs a waiver, close relatives may be cremated together. This issue usually only arises when family members have died together in tragedies like car accidents or fires.

Caskets

Most state laws do not require the body to be placed in a casket for the cremation. However, most crematoriums do require some sort of container for the body. The containers should be water proof to prevent leaks and combustible so that they will burn with the body.

Cremation Laws: about Remains

Unfortunately, remains cannot legally just be scattered anywhere. However, they can legally be buried or spread on private property. They can be buried in a cemetery if the required plot fee is paid. Typically this fee will be smaller than the fee charged for a casket plot as an urn requires less space. Legally, remains can be scattered in some public places. If you are interested in scattering the remains of a loved one in a certain area, you should check the local laws in that area.

Losing a loved one can be a difficult process. However, the process is made much easier when the remaining family members understand the laws governing death, burial and cremation. Although cremation laws vary, the information here will give you a good understanding of what you can expect in your state.

Reasons to Watch a Cremation Video

For the curious, the process of cremation can be fascinating. People who are planning to have themselves cremated can also learn about the cremation firsthand by watching any of the many videos on the subject on the internet. As previously mentioned, cremation footage is one way for families to ensure that the process is done properly.

How Cremation is Done:

Cremation is done using very high temperatures to incinerate the solids inside the chamber. Crematoriums vary, but the modern-day incinerators are automated and programmed according to the right temperature needed for that particular load. Crematoriums also burn propane or natural gas, and some use a wet scrubber to remove any trapped particles which result from the cremation.

 The steps of cremation are as follows:
• The body in the casket is placed inside the chamber, which is then closed.
• Automated programs determine the right temperature depending on the weight and size of the body.
• The body is burned using high heat. The entire process usually takes about 3 hours to complete.
• Once the body has been cremated, the chamber is then cooled and opened.
• The ashes are brushed onto a tray and a powerful magnet is run through the tray to remove any metals. The remains are then placed on a grinding machine so they can be further pulverized before they are collected into an urn and given to the family.

Cremation Video vs. Video Tribute

A cremation video is footage of the process of cremation which the family members can view upon request. Most funeral homes have footage of the cremation since most crematory chambers are fitted with cameras. This way, the family can still observe the cremation process without being present in the crematory chambers. This is an improvement to past practices of having family members present in the crematorium themselves during the process, since there are family members who want to be present during this time. In other cases, having the family present during cremation is even part of religious rituals. Cremation videos differ from video tributes created by the funeral home using photos and videos provided by the family. These tributes provide a different purpose, and that is to remember the deceased and the way he lived through the video presentation.

Cremation footage is a useful way for family members to a watch the entire process of cremation and feel reassured knowing that their loved one’s remains is in safe hands. Cremation footages can be had upon request, although there are many families who opt not to view the entire process. Aside from funeral purposes, a cremation video can also be viewed by those who simply want to know how the process of cremation is done, and please be sure to checkout our other articles on cremation listed in the left sidebar, or at the top of the page.

Cremation vs Burial: Questions To Ask

 : Do you have a distinct preference? If so, what is the reason for it? While this may sound like an unusual question, many people opt for  burial simply because it is traditional. Even if it is something your family has always done, this does not mean you cannot make a different  choice.

: Individuals and families are more likely to move away from their home areas than in the past. How do you see this possibility affecting  your final plans? One reason burial has been a traditional option is it allowed families and friends to visit their loved one’s grave. A family  can feel very sad about leaving a loved one behind when they move.

: What kind of final memory do you want your friends and family to have of you? If you think about it, remembering a grave site and burial can be a sad, depressing experience. While it is never easy to say goodbye, cremation offers a better experience. If your ashes are scattered in a private ceremony, it will be a very personal, special experience to everyone present. It is a memory they can cherish. If a family member wishes to keep your ashes in a urn, they also have this option.

Cremation vs Burial: Facts You May Not Know

: Funerals and memorial services are not limited to burials. You can have the service you want, even if you are to be cremated. You can have a traditional funeral prior to the cremation, or a memorial service afterward.

: You may have a personal or religious objection to embalming. If the cremation takes place shortly after you pass away, this practice is not required by law.

: Cremation costs considerably less than a funeral and burial. While cost should not be the sole factor in your decision, it can be an important factor. The money you save can be left to your children, spouse, or contributed to a favorite charity.

: Perhaps you are concerned about the environment. Cremation is more environmentally-friendly than burial.

You Have Options With Cremation Services

If cremation is your choice, you have options. One option is to prepay for your services. You will not need to worry about rates increasing, or family members shouldering the financial burden. Your payment and your plans will all be taken care of in advance. Although you do have the option of having your life insurance policy cover cremation in your time of need, a prepaid arrangement is generally better.

Final plans are very personal. When you make the decisions early, it is responsible, economical, and less stressful. You are also freeing your loved ones from dealing with these details. Cremation vs burial is something you can decide, and plan, today.