Losing someone close is one of the most difficult things we go through in life. If you’re arranging a funeral for the first time, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when faced with decisions you may not have made before. While most people are familiar with how a burial works, cremation can feel more mysterious, simply because so much of the process happens behind closed doors.
Cremation has been a legal and accepted choice in the UK since the Victorian era, and it’s now the most common option. But even today, it can still raise questions and concerns. That’s why we’ve written this article, so you can make informed choices and feel confident about what to expect.
Why do more families choose cremation?
Today, over 75% of families in the UK opt for cremation. This choice is driven by a number of reasons, including:
- Simplicity and affordability: Cremation is often simpler and more affordable than a traditional burial. There’s no need for embalming, a burial plot, or a headstone — all of which add to the cost. For many families, this means less financial pressure at an already difficult time.
- Environmental considerations: Although cremation does have an environmental impact, it avoids issues linked to embalming chemicals entering the soil and the growing demand for land in overcrowded cemeteries. Its carbon footprint varies depending on factors like coffin type and energy source, but there are ways to reduce it, such as choosing a natural coffin or a pure cremation.
- Flexibility and personalisation: With cremation, you’re not tied to a set time or place for a farewell ceremony. You can plan a unique send-off, allowing time to create a meaningful farewell.
After cremation, ashes can be kept at home, buried in a cemetery, scattered in a special place, or turned into memorial jewellery or other keepsakes. The choice is yours.
What happens before cremation begins?
Once you feel ready to start arrangements, here are the important steps:
Choose a cremation service provider
It’s important to work with a provider you trust to guide you and care for your loved one with respect.
Gather the necessary documents
Legally, these must be completed and submitted before cremation:
- Green form: Given when registering the death, this confirms that the body is ready for burial or cremation.
- Application for cremation: Completed by the family, this form names who can collect the ashes after cremation.
- Medical forms (Cremation Forms 4 and 5): Completed by the treating doctor and an independent doctor to confirm the cause of death.
Your funeral provider will support you through this paperwork.
What to expect at the cremation service
Cremation services vary depending on beliefs and preferences, but typically:
- The coffin is brought to the crematorium, either for the service itself or following a ceremony held elsewhere.
- Crematorium staff receive the coffin and prepare it for cremation.
- The coffin is placed in the cremation chamber, where the process begins.
Can you witness the start of cremation?
Yes — and for some people, this is an important part of saying goodbye. Most crematoria offer what’s known as a “witnessed charge,” where family members can be present as the coffin enters the cremation chamber. This must be arranged in advance, and may not be suitable for everyone, but for those who choose it, it can bring peace of mind.
The cremation process explained
How long does cremation take?
Cremations usually last between 90 minutes and 2 hours. The time can vary depending on factors like body size or medical considerations.
Preparing the body
Before the cremation begins, the body is stored in a temperature-controlled environment to ensure dignity and safety. Any potentially hazardous items, such as pacemakers, mobile phones or smartwatches, must be removed, as they can cause damage inside the cremator. Jewellery can be left with the person if the family wishes, but it can’t be recovered after the process, as it melts at a different rate to the ashes.
What happens in the crematorium?
The coffin is placed into a chamber heated to between 870°C and 980°C (around 1,600°F to 1,800°F). Both the body and the coffin are reduced to bone fragments, which are then cooled and processed into a fine ash.
At Pure Cremation, we use simple, solid pine coffins. These are natural, efficient for the cremation process, and respectful to the environment.
How do I know the right ashes are returned?
At Pure Cremation, we’ve created a robust tracking system to give families complete peace of mind. From the moment your loved one arrives, they’re given a unique QR-coded wristband that’s scanned at every stage. Every action, from collection through to the return of ashes, is digitally logged, so we always know exactly where they are and who has been caring for them.
Our cremations are always individual, never shared. Each coffin is scanned multiple times, and a ceramic disc with a unique number is placed with your loved one — a simple, physical safeguard that stays with the ashes throughout.
These careful steps ensure the ashes you receive are without doubt those of the person you love, and we’re always here to talk through the process if you have questions. You can call us for free at any time on 0800 160 18 81.
Receiving and caring for ashes
From most crematoria, ashes can usually be collected within 3 working days. In urgent cases, collection on the same day may be possible by arrangement. The ashes are typically returned in a simple cardboard or plastic container, but you may choose your own urn or keepsake box.
Pure Cremation provides biodegradable urns made from cellulose, finished with a photo wrapper for a personal touch.
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Most families choose to have ashes returned by hand, and we aim to deliver within 21 days of cremation.
Meaningful ways to remember your loved one with ashes
Cremation ashes offer many opportunities for personal remembrance, such as:
- Scattering in a meaningful place, like a favourite park or garden
- Burial in a cemetery or memorial garden
- Incorporation into jewellery, glass art, or memorial candles
- Setting ashes in fireworks or memorial tree planting
- Creating memorial cuddly toys or other keepsakes
Your funeral provider can help you explore all options.
How much does cremation cost?
The average cost of a cremation in the UK is £3,980. This is significantly less than the average burial cost, which is £5,198. If you choose a pure cremation (no ceremony at the crematorium or church), you can save up to £2,000 compared to a traditional funeral.
Funeral costs have been rising steadily, but a prepaid funeral plan can help you manage these expenses and protect your family from unexpected bills.
Frequently asked questions about cremation
How long does the cremation process take?
Typically between 1 and 2.5 hours.
Do bodies move during cremation?
No. The idea that bodies sit up during cremation is a myth.
What happens to the coffin?
The coffin is cremated along with the body and any clothing.
Are cremations always individual?
Yes, usually one coffin per cremation chamber. The only exceptions are rare cases like a mother and baby.
Who receives the ashes?
The person named on the cremation application can collect or receive the ashes.
Can I arrange a cremation without a funeral service?
Yes. Direct cremation allows for a simple and respectful process without a ceremony, giving you the flexibility to plan a farewell at a later time.
If you’re ready to begin arrangements or have questions about the cremation process, our friendly team is here to help with care, clarity, and respect.
