Cremation Process Considerations

The cremation process involves breaking down the deceased body using high levels of heat in a specially designed cremation chamber. The process of cremation normally takes two to three hours. The remains will weigh less than 10 pounds. All cremations in the U.S. occur individually. Any large pieces or bone are ground into a fine powder and combined with the ashes, which are placed in a container or urn.

Cremation Options

Cremation procedures vary based on the state, service provider, and selected funeral services. Cremation options include:

• Cremation may occur at a facility close to the place of death, or the deceased may be transported to a crematorium in another county or state.
• Immediate family members and those close to the deceased may witness the cremation process.
• Cremation process photos are offered by some funeral homes and crematoriums.
• A choice of cremation containers is available, ranging from a simple cardboard box to a combustible hardwood casket.
• Funeral homes and crematoriums offer a choice of urns for purchase. Alternatively, family members may provide their own suitable container for the remains.
• Following cremation, remains may be buried, kept in an urn, scattered, or placed in a memorial site such as the Memorial Reef or other concrete structure.

Cremation Process in North America

When considering cremation options, people sometimes worry about receiving the actual remains of their loved one. Modern cremation practices in North America include the use of a numbered metal disc that accompanies the body throughout the process of cremation for identification purposes. This is one of the safeguards that ensures the correct remains are released to family members by the crematorium.