Cremations are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Today, over 70% of people choose this way of sending off their loved ones. But unlike a traditional burial, a cremation can be a bit mysterious. It’s not always easy to visualise what happens before, during, and after the process. It’s normal to have plenty of questions, which makes it important to address some of the most common questions asked by families considering cremation over traditional burial.
What happens during the service?
Most of the formalities associated with a funeral are handled by a funeral director. In West Yorkshire County, you can contact funeral directors in Leeds who specialise in cremations. This way, you won’t have to worry about any details.
When it comes to the funeral service, crematoriums have a designated area for loved ones and guests to gather to say their final goodbyes. After the service, the coffin is moved away from view and all the mourners leave. Depending on the chosen arrangement, you can have a wake after the service so that guests can spend more time consoling each other and sharing fond memories of the departed.
Do you need to complete much paperwork?
After registering the death of a loved one, the closest kin or executor will handle the paperwork. Documents such as the death certificate, and depending on the circumstances of death, you may also need the paperwork from a coroner.
After completing these documents, the funeral director should handle the rest of the arrangements needed. The funeral director will submit paperwork to the pertinent authority to get a certificate authorising cremation.
Is a coffin required for cremations?
Yes, you need to have a casket for the body that will be cremated. It will be placed in the cremation chamber and burnt together with the deceased. The good thing is, there are plenty of affordable choices. There are even eco-friendly choices such as cloth and cardboard coffins.
Can you put keepsakes inside the coffin?
Personal items which belonged to the deceased, or keepsakes for send-off may be placed inside. However, it needs to be highly combustible and doesn’t contain any chemicals that may emit harmful fumes. To be sure what’s allowed, you may ask the crematorium first.
How much time should you wait before getting the ashes?
On average, it takes about three hours to complete a cremation. Cooling the ashes will take another couple of hours at least. Factors such as temperature, coffin material, and the size of the deceased will determine if it will take longer. You’ll get back the ashes in about a day or two after the cremation.
If you haven’t chosen an urn before the cremation, you’ll get back the ashes in a standard container. Today, you can choose from a wide range of urns for long-term storage. Now, when it comes to remembering the deceased, your funeral director can also arrange for the time and place to scatter ashes. You can also choose to have the remains placed in a crematorium garden. If you choose to keep the ashes, you can then decide later on if you want to bury them some place or keep them at home.
Other sources: https://www.funeralpartners.co.uk/help-advice/arranging-a-funeral/what-happens-at-a-cremation-service/
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