Cremation Information

Cremation Process Explained

An Affordable Option for Everyone

A meaningful and respectful cremation doesn't have to be expensive. A clear and direct concept of cremation is: "The mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments," according to the Cremation Association of North America. But this process means much more.


It is preparing the body of our loved one for cremation, dressing our loved ones in their favorite clothes, and presenting them to our family and friends for a last goodbye. It's choosing an urn that reminds us of them or preparing everything to scatter their ashes or share them. 


The cremation process is only a part of what it means to say goodbye, and we do our best to make it memorable too. We created this information hub to give you all the information you may need to make an informed decision. Please remember that we are here to guide you through every step. 

What Happens To The Body When It's Cremated?

Cremation is the process of reducing a body to ash by exposing it to very high temperatures. First, the family or next of kin must authorize the body to be cremated. The crematorium operator prepares the body and removes any jewelry, medical devices (i.e. pacemakers), prostheses, and implants. The body is placed in a container made of wood or heavy cardboard. The container is then placed into the crematory chamber which is essentially a large furnace. The heat ignites the container and the body begins to dry out. The temperature in the chamber can rise to about 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. It usually takes 2 to 3 hours to fully cremate a body. What’s left is a grey coarse material that feels like a fine gravel. On average, 3 to 9 pounds of ash is produced (Kim, 2018).

Why Choose Cremation?

It has always been an ongoing debate: cremation vs. burial. Lately, cremation has been winning the battle as the more popular choice. The American cremation rate has been steadily rising for the past 30 years.


For the first time ever in 2016, more than 50% of Americans chose to be cremated, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. Data has shown that cremation rates have continued to rise year after year, with experts predicting that ¾ of Americans will be opting for cremation vs burial by 2035.


You may find yourself asking, why cremation? For hundreds of years, burial services have been the norm. While there is a certain level of tradition in regards to burial services, today’s families are choosing to forego tradition and select the option that best meets their needs. In many ways, cremation represents the new era of funeral service and offers several benefits over traditional burial services.


To learn more about the many benefits of cremation, we have outlined various reasons on our Benefits of Cremation page.

Arrange a Cremation For your Loved One

Planning a Cremation

What is Required?

Once the cremation-over-burial decision has been made, all that's required is an authorization. This is provided by the person who is the legally identified or appointed next-of-kin. Once all authorization documents are signed, and service charges are paid, the body can be transported from the place of death to the crematory, and the cremation process can occur. However, there are some other things you may wish to consider, such as: 


  • Is there a unique set of clothes (such as a military uniform or favorite dress) your loved one would appreciate the thought of wearing? This will focus on the cremation arrangement conversation, and your funeral director will advise you on your best options regarding jewelry or other valuable personal items.


  • Are any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation casket? Perhaps there's a special memento, such as a treasured photograph or letter? We sometimes suggest family members write cards, notes, or letters to their deceased loved one and place them in the casket before the cremation.


  • Would you or other family members like to be present for–or participate to some degree in–your loved one's cremation? Because we know how healing it can be to take part in the act of "letting go," we welcome the opportunity to bring interested family or friends into the crematory. Please discuss your desire to participate with your funeral director.


  • What will you keep the cremated remains or ashes in after the cremation or the service? Many families are unaware they can purchase a cremation urn to be placed in a particular place, such as the family home. We offer a large selection of urns to help memorialize your loved one. Ask one of our caring funeral directors to see the variety of urns.

 

Our Cremation Options in Nashua, NH 

Before deciding on cremation or any funeral service, we highly recommend you check out all the available options. We know it's a challenging and overwhelming moment, but taking the time to understand all the options will help you start this new path with the trust that you made the right choice for your family. You can click below to learn more about the options we provide.

Our Cremation Options

Sources:

 

  1. What is Cremation, Cremation Association of North America
  2. Mathisen, Tyler, "Cremation is the Hottest Trend in the Funeral Industry"
  3. Wikipedia, "Cremation", http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cremation

 

Share by: