Cremations have become the norm as more than 70% of families are choosing this funeral. The cremation process may involve many things behind closed doors. It may seem confusing and mysterious, and many questions are so inviting. You might have questions that inform your decision about planning a funeral cremation service.
You will learn here how the service for cremation is processed to help you decide whether to have this burial.
What happens in a cremation
Cremation uses intense heat. It turns the remains of a deceased body into ashes. The cremation process is done in a specially-designed cremation chamber. The body will be exposed to intense heat for around two hours.
Small amounts of bone remain when the cremation process has finished. It is taken from the cremator and then cooled. After being cooled, it is placed in a machine that reduces the bone to ashes. The ashes are put into a container called an urn or jar. The family chooses to receive the ashes after the cremation.
Crematorium service
The family follows the coffin into the venue and is seated at the front. The officiant leads the cremation service, including:
- readings
- eulogies
- music
The service only happens when chosen by the family.
What to expect in a cremation service
Below are the things to expect if plan to have a cremation service:
Mourners head to the crematorium!
Mourners assemble outside. They are waiting for the arrival of the hearse. They take a seat in the chapel before the coffin is brought in. The coffin may also be brought to the venue before the arrival of mourners. The coffin is placed on a catafalque, raised and decorated at the front so that everybody can see.
Mourners are seated shortly before the service starts. The cremation funeral service lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. It happens first before the actual cremation process. Guests are on time. There is no waiting for everyone before the funeral service starts. It starts as is the scheduled time.
The service is held!
The cremation order of service may include:
- hymns or musical pieces
- eulogies
The family can book extra time if they would like a longer service, which includes:
- prayers
- poems
Committal starts
The coffin is obscured from view for the mourners to pay their final respect before cremation after the service. The options include the coffin being moved behind:
- curtain
- glass
- gate
Mourners leave the cremation service
- The guests offer their condolences to the deceased’s family
- See the flowers and wreaths
- Make their way to the wake
The wake begins
It is an optional arrangement that brings people together to celebrate the life of the loved one. It can include:
- food
- drinks
- music
- displays of deceased photographs
How is the deceased prepared for the cremation process?
The deceased is cleaned and dressed in simple clothes or a gown. Many deceased are embalmed and held in the mortuary facilities. It has a cooling system that preserves the deceased while waiting for the cremation. Some clients have specific religious traditions. It is expected that they have different preparation requirements for the deceased.
The jewelry and items are removed before the day of cremation, such as:
- medical devices
- artificial limbs
The removed items are returned to families to avoid any reactions in the cremation chamber.
Crematorium staff check a coffin’s nameplate after the cremation service and assign an identity card. It ensures that the right ashes are returned to loved ones.
Conclusion
Cremation may be complicated, but not by getting a reliable service. The families will only attend the funeral before the cremation process is performed. The burial is prepared, and the family will only attend the funeral service. The mourning family will only focus on their deceased loved one up to their last viewing.
