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Cremation Funerals: Your Questions Answered

Cremation funerals have become an increasingly popular choice for many people across the UK. At Stockman & Loram, your trusted funeral directors, we understand that making decisions about funeral arrangements can be overwhelming, especially during times of grief. The choice between burial and cremation involves many factors, including personal beliefs, financial considerations, and environmental concerns.


This comprehensive guide aims to answer your most pressing questions about cremation, providing clear and detailed information to help you make informed decisions that honour your loved ones. Whether you’re curious about the cremation process, costs or how to personalise a cremation service, we’ve got you covered with expert insights and compassionate advice.


What happens during a cremation service?


A cremation service can vary greatly depending on the wishes of the deceased and their family. Typically, it includes elements similar to a traditional funeral, such as a ceremony with readings, music, and eulogies, held either at a crematorium chapel, a place of worship, or another chosen venue. The service serves as an opportunity for family and friends to gather, remember, and celebrate the life of the deceased.


After the ceremony, the body is taken to the crematorium. Many crematoriums allow family members to witness the committal, which involves seeing the coffin moved into the cremation chamber. This can provide a sense of closure and be an important part of the grieving process. Typically, witnessing involves being present as the coffin is placed into the cremation chamber. Some crematoriums may also have viewing areas where families can watch the initial stages of the cremation but, on the whole, the cremation itself is a private process. We recommend checking with your chosen crematorium in advance, as policies on witnessing cremations may vary.


Once the cremation is completed, the ashes are carefully collected and returned to the family in a designated container or urn.


Is the cremation process safe?


Yes, the cremation process is safe and strictly regulated. In the UK, crematoriums must adhere to stringent regulations designed to ensure environmental safety and public health. These regulations control emissions and require the use of advanced filtration systems to minimise pollutants.


Cremation facilities are regularly inspected and monitored to ensure compliance with these standards. Additionally, crematorium staff are trained professionals who follow rigorous protocols to manage the cremation process respectfully and safely, ensuring the dignity of the deceased is maintained throughout.


Why do people choose cremation?


There are several reasons why individuals and families might choose a cremation funeral over traditional burial funeral:


Cost: It is often more affordable than burial, as it eliminates the need for expenses such as a burial plot, headstone, and grave maintenance.

Simplicity: It can also simplify the process of handling the deceased, offering a straightforward option that can be arranged relatively quickly.

Flexibility: It allows for greater flexibility in terms of memorial services and what you do with the remains afterwards. Cremation provides families with the option to keep the ashes with them, scatter them in a meaningful location, or even divide them among several family members.

Environmental Concerns: Some people view cremation as a more environmentally friendly option, as it uses fewer resources and reduces the need for land use as with a traditional burial.


How are cremation ceremonies arranged?


Arranging a cremation ceremony involves several key steps, which can be a little overwhelming and unnecessarily demanding at an already difficult time. By partnering with our funeral directors in Paignton and surrounding areas, you will have help with managing these arrangements from beginning to end. Here some of the key steps:


Consultation: The first step is to meet with the funeral director to discuss the wishes of the deceased and the family. This includes deciding on the type of service, the location, and any specific requests.

Documentation: This stage involves completing the necessary legal paperwork, including the death certificate and cremation permits. Your funeral director will guide you through this process.

Planning the Service: Next you’ll need to decide on the details of the ceremony, such as selecting readings, music, speakers, and any other personal touches. This is an opportunity to create a service that truly reflects the life and personality of the deceased.

Coordination: Your funeral director will coordinate with the crematorium, ensuring all arrangements are in place for the service and the cremation process. This includes scheduling the date and time of the cremation.

The Service: On the day of the service, the funeral director oversees the proceedings, ensuring everything runs smoothly and according to plan. After the service, the cremation itself will take place.


How can I personalise a cremation service?


A cremation service can be highly personalised to reflect the unique life and personality of your loved one. Here are some way to personalise your service:


Music: Selecting meaningful songs or pieces of music that were special to the deceased.

Readings: Including favourite poems, scriptures, or passages from books that held significance.

Eulogies: Inviting family members and friends to share stories and memories.

Visual Tributes: Displaying photos or videos that celebrate the life of the deceased.

Symbolic Gestures: Incorporating rituals or symbols that reflect the deceased’s beliefs or passions, such as lighting candles, releasing balloons or lanterns, or planting a tree.


Can you donate your organs before cremation?


Yes, organ donation is possible before cremation. In fact, organ donation is encouraged as a way to save lives and improve quality of life for others. If the deceased was a registered organ donor, the organs will be carefully removed by medical professionals. The body will then be prepared for cremation in the same respectful manner as always. Organ donation does not interfere with the cremation process or the ability to hold a viewing or service beforehand.


How does cremation cost compare to a burial?


In general, cremation is less expensive than a traditional burial. The costs associated with burial, such as purchasing a burial plot and a headstone and continually maintaining the gravesite, can be significant. Cremation eliminates many of these expenses.


However, the overall cost of cremation can vary depending on factors such as the type of service chosen, the urn selected, and any additional memorial options. For instance, a direct cremation is typically the most cost-effective option, while a full-service cremation with a viewing, ceremony, and elaborate urn will likely be more expensive.


What is direct cremation?


Direct cremation is a simple and cost-effective option where the body is cremated shortly after death, without a preceding funeral service or viewing. This option is chosen by those who prefer a no-fuss approach or wish to avoid the costs associated with traditional funerals.


In a direct cremation, the deceased is typically collected from the place of death and transported directly to the crematorium. After the cremation, the ashes are returned to the family, who may then choose to hold a memorial service at a later date or scatter the ashes in a meaningful location.


Which religions allow cremation?


Many religions permit cremation, although views can of course vary widely within and between different faiths:


Christianity: Most Christian denominations accept cremation, although some (e.g. the Eastern Orthodox Church) prefer traditional burial. The Catholic Church also permits cremation, provided it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Christian teachings.

Hinduism: Cremation is the preferred method for handling the dead, as it aligns with the belief in the liberation of the soul.

Buddhism: Cremation is widely practised, reflecting the transient nature of life and death in Buddhist teachings.

Sikhism: Cremation is common, in line with the belief in the soul’s journey after death.

Islam: Traditional Islamic practices prefer burial, viewing it as the proper way to handle the deceased. Cremation is generally not permitted.

Judaism: Traditional Jewish law prefers burial, but some liberal and reform movements within Judaism may accept cremation.


Ultimately, the decision lies with the deceased (prior to their death) and their loved ones. It’s important for individuals to consider their own beliefs and the wishes of the deceased when making decisions about cremation.


How are cremated remains packaged?


After the cremation process, the remains are carefully collected and processed into a fine, sand-like consistency. These remains are then placed in a temporary container, often a plastic or cardboard box, which is suitable for transport and storage.


Families can choose to transfer the remains into a more permanent urn if they wish. Our funeral directors can assist with this process, ensuring that the ashes are handled with respect and care.


What cremation urn types are there?


There are numerous types of cremation urns available, catering to different tastes, needs, and budgets. Some common types include:


Traditional Urns: Made from materials such as wood, metal, ceramic, or glass, these urns are designed to be displayed in the home or placed in a columbarium.

Biodegradable Urns: These are made from eco-friendly materials and are intended for burial or scattering in water, allowing the urn to break down naturally.

Keepsake Urns: Smaller urns that hold a portion of the ashes, allowing multiple family members to retain a part of the deceased.

Jewellery Urns: Designed as wearable pieces of jewellery, these urns contain a small amount of ashes, offering a personal and discreet way to keep a loved one close.

Custom Urns: These can be personalised with engravings, photos, or designs that reflect the deceased’s personality and interests.


What are the cremation statistics in the UK?


Cremation has become the preferred choice for many in the UK. According to recent statistics, approximately 80% of all funerals in the UK are now cremation services, rather than traditional burial funerals. This figure has been increasing steadily over the past few decades. The increasing preference for cremation can be attributed to factors such as cost, environmental considerations, and changing social attitudes towards death and memorialisation.


Compassionate Cremation Services from Stockman & Loram


At Stockman & Loram, we are committed to providing compassionate and personalised cremation services to families across Devon. If you have any further questions or need assistance with planning a cremation, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.

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