What Is a Cremation? The Entire Process Explained
If you’re wondering: What is a cremation? This guide provides all the details you need about the process, paperwork, and next steps.
If you’re wondering: What is a cremation? This guide provides all the details you need about the process, paperwork, and next steps.
If you’ve recently lost a loved one, you might be dealing with so many questions. About their passing, about what happens next, and how to go about it.
What about a funeral? What is a cremation? How does cremation work? These are perfectly normal questions to have — and we’ve got the answers for you.
This comprehensive guide hopes to demystify the cremation process, offering a behind-the-scenes look at each step from start to finish. We'll walk you through the entire journey, from the initial documentation to the final handling of the cremated remains.
Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of the procedures involved, addressing common concerns and misconceptions along the way.
Whether you're seeking information out of curiosity, planning ahead for yourself, or facing an immediate need for a loved one, this resource is designed to offer clarity during a sensitive time.
Cremation is a respectful and dignified process of reducing a person's physical remains to their most basic elements through the application of intense heat. This process typically takes place in a specially designed furnace called a cremation chamber or retort.
The purpose of cremation is to create a final disposition for a loved one that aligns with their wishes or those of their family.
It's a deeply personal choice that can offer closure and a tangible way to remember the person. Cremation transforms the body into ashes, also known as "cremains," which families can then keep, scatter, or inter according to their preferences or the wishes of their loved one.
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports similar findings, predicting that by 2040, nearly 80% of Americans will choose cremation over traditional burial. Here are some of the primary benefits:
Before a cremation can take place, several legal requirements must be met. The process typically begins with obtaining a death certificate, which must be signed by a medical professional, usually the attending physician or a medical examiner.
In most states, there's a mandatory waiting period (usually 24-48 hours) after death before cremation can occur.
A cremation authorization form is crucial. This document must be signed by the deceased's next of kin or the person with the legal right to make decisions about the deceased's remains.
In cases where the deceased pre-arranged their cremation, they may have already signed this form.
Some states require a cremation permit from the local medical examiner or coroner, especially in cases of unexpected or suspicious deaths. This ensures that all necessary investigations have been completed and that cremation won't destroy evidence.
Once all paperwork is in order, the body is prepared for cremation. This process involves removing any items that could be hazardous during cremation or that the family might want to keep.
The body is then cleaned and dressed in whatever the family has chosen — this could be regular clothes, a shroud, or left as is.
Federal law requires that a body be placed in a rigid, combustible container before cremation. This can range from a simple cardboard box to an ornate wooden casket, depending on the family's preferences and budget.
Many crematoriums offer a selection of cremation caskets or containers. These are designed to be dignified yet fully combustible. Some families choose to rent a more elaborate casket for viewing purposes, with the body transferred to a simpler container for the actual cremation.
The actual cremation process typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on various factors such as the size of the body, the type of container, and the efficiency of the cremation chamber.
However, the entire process from death to receiving the ashes can take several days to a week or more, depending on how quickly the necessary paperwork can be completed and any scheduling considerations at the cremation center.
Once the cremation is complete, the remains are allowed to cool for several hours. This cooling phase is crucial for safety reasons and to ensure the remains can be handled properly.
After cooling, the remains are carefully removed from the cremation chamber. At this stage, they consist of bone fragments and any non-combustible materials that were left in place (such as metal joint replacements).
The cooled remains are inspected, and any visible metal objects are removed. This includes items like metal joint replacements, dental work, or any metal that was part of the cremation container.
Many crematories have begun recycling these metals through specialized companies. The proceeds are often donated to charity. Families can request to have these items returned if they wish.
The remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine called a cremulator. This device grinds the fragments into a fine, sand-like consistency that we typically think of as "ashes."
The resulting material, properly called "cremated remains" or "cremains," is not actually ash but ground bone fragments. It's usually light grey to white in color and has a texture similar to coarse sand.
Throughout the entire process, strict identification measures are maintained to ensure that the cremated remains are correctly associated with the deceased individual.
Before the cremation, a numbered metal disc is placed with the body. This disc survives the cremation process and is used to verify the identity of the remains. The cremated remains are then placed in a plastic bag that is also labeled with the deceased's information.
This labeled bag is then placed in either a temporary container provided by the crematorium or an urn provided by the family. The container is also labeled with the deceased's information and the date of cremation.
Once the family receives the cremated remains, they have numerous options for their final disposition:
Each step of this process is carried out with the utmost respect and care for the deceased and their family. Crematoriums are strictly regulated and follow rigorous procedures to ensure dignity, safety, and proper identification throughout the cremation process.
When considering cremation, families have several options for how to structure the associated services. Each type of service offers different benefits and can be tailored to meet the specific needs, wishes, and budget of the family. Here are the main types of cremation services:
Direct cremation is the simplest and most cost-effective option available. This service includes:
Benefits of direct cremation:
A traditional cremation service closely resembles a conventional funeral, with the cremation taking place after the service instead of a burial. This option typically includes:
Benefits of traditional cremation service:
A memorial service is a ceremony held after the cremation has taken place. This service can be held days, weeks, or even months after the death. It typically includes:
Benefits of a memorial service:
Each of these options can be customized to suit the needs and preferences of your family. For example, a family might choose a direct cremation followed by a memorial service at a later date. Or they might opt for a small, private viewing before a direct cremation, followed by a larger public memorial service.
Now that we’ve explained everything about what a cremation is, please let us help you get through this. We are ready to help honor your loved one's memory while supporting you through this difficult time.
Meadow offers a range of thoughtfully designed cremation packages to suit various needs and preferences:
Meadow Cremation ($1,295): Our foundational package provides a dignified and straightforward cremation service. It includes:
You can add on a memorial service package starting at an additional fee of $1,970.
At Meadow, we believe in complete transparency when it comes to pricing. We understand that dealing with financial matters during a time of grief can be overwhelming, which is why we strive to make our pricing structure as clear and straightforward as possible.
Our listed prices include all necessary services, with no hidden fees or unexpected costs. We provide detailed breakdowns of each package, so you understand exactly what you're paying for.
We offer a range of services to fit different budgets and preferences, ensuring you never feel pressured to choose options you don't want or need. Once you've chosen a package, we guarantee the price, protecting you from any unexpected increases.
We don't just see you as a client — we treat you like family. Our commitment to compassionate care is evident in every aspect of our service:
We believe that a cremation service should be as unique as the life it's honoring. Meadow offers numerous ways to personalize your loved one's farewell:
We combine professional expertise with genuine care to ensure that your experience with us is as comforting and stress-free as possible during this difficult time.
Let us help you honor your loved one's unique life in a way that brings you peace and preserves their memory for generations to come.
The Meadow Cremation package includes everything you need for a simple cremation.
Everything you need for a traditional memorial service at one of our partner chapels.
We'll help you create a memory that will last forever at a Beautiful Venue across Los Angeles County.
