What is Cremation?

With both fire and water cremation, the body is exposed to elements that will break down the body until only bone fragments remain. Those bone fragments are then broken down into what we commonly refer to as “ashes” or “cremated remains.” After cremation is complete, the cremated remains are placed in the selected urn or temporary container and returned to the family.

With fire cremation, the body is placed in a retort (the term for a crematory chamber) where the body is subjected to temperatures up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Natural gases are used to heat the retort for roughly 4-6 hours. Once the body is reduced to ash and bones, the bones are broken down into ashes.  

At the end of the cremation process, the cremated remains typically weighs somewhere between 3-7 pounds.

Although cremation does reduce land use, it is not considered a “green” practice by either the National Funeral Directors Association or the Green Burial Council. 

Absolutely. We encourage families to honor and remember their loved ones with a personalized and meaningful service, whether they choose burial or cremation.

Yes, you can choose to keep a loved one’s cremated remains at home. However, we do recommend that you choose a more permanent option at some point in the future. After your own death, whoever handles your estate may not know about your loved one’s urn and may dispose of it unknowingly. So, if you do keep a loved one’s cremated body in your home, make sure that you communicate a plan for their care after you are gone.

We always recommend that families create a long-term plan for a loved one’s cremated remains. While keeping an urn at home is fine for a time, it’s important to decide what should be done with a loved one’s remains long-term. With cremation, there are many options, including:

• Columbarium niche
• Burial (either alone or next to a family member)
• Urn garden
• Mausoleum
• Cremation bench or jewelry
• Scattering

Most often, ashes are scattered on private property (with permission), on public lands (like national parks), in a scattering garden or cemetery, or at sea. Make sure you check all laws and ordinances before you scatter. Your funeral director can help you figure out what laws are in place and help you apply for any necessary permits and registrations. 

Also, with scattering, consider placing a memorial plaque in a cemetery or other special place. This will give family, friends, and future generations a place to go when they want to mourn, remember, and connect with a lost loved one.

Yes, you can mail cremated remains via the USPS, but there are certain regulations you must follow. Speak with your funeral director about shipping a loved one’s ashes. They can help you do it the correct way.

Yes, you can fly with cremated remains (domestically and internationally), but there are a few extra hoops to jump through. Make sure you speak with your specific airline about their requirements.

While cremation does tend to cost less than burial, the cost of either burial or cremation is ultimately in your hands. You can choose the services and merchandise you want and ensure that the total cost stays within your budget. If you prefer burial but feel like cremation better fits your budget, speak with the funeral director. They can review the options and discuss whether there might be a burial option that could work for your family.