When a loved one passes away, choosing the right funeral service is essential. There are many types of funeral services, but one of the most common in the UK is cremation.
If you’ve never attended a cremation service before, it can all seem a little daunting and confusing, but it shouldn’t be that way.
There are also several options to choose from. In this article we look at the more traditional approach, but let’s not forget there are several other more modern options, for example, a direct cremation.
Whether you’re planning a simple cremation or a traditional cremation for a loved one or attending a cremation as a guest, this guide is going to help. You’ll get a better understanding of what happens during a cremation service and how the process works.
Cremation is a simple process that transforms the remains of a person who has died into ashes using intense heat. The ashes are tiny bone fragments, and once the cremation is complete, they are returned to the deceased’s family.
The machine used to cremate bodies is called a cremator, and the building where the cremation takes place is called a crematorium.
Anyone who has never attended a cremation before might wonder, how does a cremation service work? What does a guest need to know? How long does the service last?
Every cremation is different, but they tend to run along the following lines:
The duration of a traditional cremation service varies between crematoria. However, you can expect it to last between 30 and 45 minutes. This allows people enough time to enter the crematorium, hold the service, and pay their final respects to the deceased.
If you want a longer service, this can be arranged, but you will need to organise it with the crematorium.
A direct cremation service is slightly different. This service doesn't last as long, as typically friends and family do not attend and there is no funeral service.
You can have a funeral no matter if you choose burial or cremation. The most common type of cremation funeral combines the funeral ceremony and the committal in a single event at the crematorium. Traditionally, the funeral service would be held in a church, and a very brief committal would take place at the crematorium afterwards.
Another option is to have a private cremation first, followed by a memorial service at a different location such as a church, home, or a scenic spot.
Not long ago, there were very few choices when it came to arranging a cremation service for your loved one. Nowadays, there are many more options.
Online shopping has revolutionised the cremation services industry. Online cremation services are now available for people who want to arrange them from the comfort of their home, rather than meeting a funeral director in person.
Known as direct cremation, this is an alternative to a traditional cremation funeral, and is the basic option. With direct cremation, the body is cremated without any service at the crematorium and usually without mourners present. It is considered an affordable and green option.
The Catholic Church has not always permitted cremation, but now it is allowed. However, the Vatican has issued guidelines on a Catholic cremation service and what you can do with the ashes.
The scattering of ashes is prohibited as they must be buried in cemeteries or other sacred places. The ashes should not be made into jewellery, kept at home, used for art, or otherwise displayed and should not be divided.
A non-religious cremation is a ceremony to honour the deceased that were not tied to any particular religion’s traditions, death rituals, or beliefs. This type of cremation service is sometimes known as a celebration of life or humanist cremation service. It can contain a choice of music, non-religious readings, and personal tributes, but there will be no prayers or reference to an afterlife.
Liquid cremation uses hot water with the addition of a chemical called potassium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide, or a mix of both. These chemicals dissolve fats and tissues into liquid. The process essentially mimics and speeds up what occurs to a body naturally when someone is buried.
Liquid cremation is not currently available in the UK, but plans are currently under discussion.
On average, the cost of cremation services is around £3,795. This is considerably less than a burial, which typically costs approximately £5,077. A direct cremation, where there is no service, costs around £1,500.
Typically, cremation services in the UK can be expensive, but if you’re worried about the cost of cremation, there are some alternatives that cost considerably less. It’s easy to organise a cheap funeral in the UK without compromising care, respect, and expressing what made your loved one special.
A direct or basic cremation is a low-cost alternative to traditional cremation and can be considerably cheaper. It also offers much more flexibility and financial control over how you say goodbye.
The cost of cremation has been steadily increasing for many years now. But you can save money in the long run with a prepaid funeral plan. A cremation is one of the many services covered with such a plan.
Another option, if you’re concerned about cost, is cremation with body donation to science. It’s possible to donate a body to science via organisations like Science Care. They offer cremation of a body as part of a no-cost program.
Usually, cremated remains are returned to the family within 3-5 weeks of the cremation.
The following paperwork is legally required for a cremation in the UK.
There is an almost unlimited number of ideas for a cremation service. One of the benefits of cremation is that it gives you more time to organise a memorial service to say goodbye. Here are a few ideas:
Following a cremation service, the ashes will be returned to the family after a certain number of days. You can then arrange to do something with the ashes.
Here are a few ideas:
There is a lot to consider when planning a cremation service. If you want the ceremony to be conducted in a particular way, it’s worthwhile pre-planning your own celebration ahead of time.
If you want to make arrangements in advance, Pure Cremation can help by giving you honest information so that you can make an informed decision. Get in touch for more details.