by Buffy Cranford

Created on: November 05, 2009   Last Updated: December 09, 2009

From ashes you came and to ashes you shall return. (Genesis 3:19)

Providing your loved one with a dignified resting place is essential in the funeral planning process. For those who choose cremation, whether for practical, religious, or environmental beliefs there can be many unknown elements to the creation process. This article reviews the important pieces of information you should know when choosing a cremation provider.

Although some funeral homes provide a cremation service, other funeral homes use a third party for the actual cremation. It is always best to choose a funeral service provider with their own crematorium. When the crematorium is operated by the local provider, there are fewer chances for error with the delivery, pick-up and paperwork related to the cremation preparation of a loved one.

Making funeral arrangements may be difficult for loved ones, so pre-arranging a funeral or discussing your wished in advance helps family members. When finances are an issue, funerals, even with cremation, can be very expensive, and grief-stricken loved ones are often tempted to spend more to display their love for the departed. Here are some important questions to ask when selecting a cremation provider.

1. Should the body be embalmed before cremation?

Embalming is only required when cremation is proceeded by family or public viewings (visitation) and open casket funerals. The embalming and casketing process (dressing, hair, makeup) can add $2000 or more to the cost of a cremation funeral.

2. What kind of casket is needed for cremation?

Caskets are not required for cremation. The minimum requirement for a cremation is a container. This can be a cardboard box or a wooden casket. Steel caskets are never used for cremation. For a visitation or funeral, most families opt for a wood casket. There are many nice wooden caskets available, but remember the funeral home cremates the casket. Look for a funeral home that rents caskets to families planning for a cremation following the funeral.

3. How long does cremation take?

There are two steps in cremation. The first step is the actual cremation. This process takes an average of two hours. Following this, the bone fragments are removed and placed into a cremulator. The fragments are then ground into the powder called remains. Many funeral homes do not perform cremations every day. The retort used for cremation must be heated to 760 to 1150 degrees Celsius for each cremation. Due to the expense related to this high energy

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>