Questions people ask about cremation

How many people use cremation today in Great Britain? 

Currently around 70% of all funerals are cremations. 

Do any religious groups forbid cremation? 

All current Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, allow cremation. Sikhs, Hindus, Parsees and Buddhists also allow it. It is forbidden by Orthodox Jews and Muslims.

Is cremation more expensive than burial? 

No. The cost of a grave is much higher than the fee charged for cremation. The funeral charges are similar for both services. The only additional charge arises when the death has not been referred to a coroner. Two doctors need to be paid for the necessary certificates. This does not apply to burial. 

What religious ceremony can I have with cremation? 

The service for burial and cremation is the same apart from the form of committal sentences. The service may take place at your own place of worship with a short committal service in the crematorium chapel. You may also have the whole service at the crematorium chapel. You may prefer a civil ceremony or even no service at all. 

How is a cremation arranged? 

The Cremation Regulations are complex. Many people use a funeral director to arrange a cremation. The funeral director will ensure that all the forms submitted to the crematorium. 

Can a cremation be arranged without using a funeral director? 

Yes. The executor or nearest surviving relative may arrange the cremation service themselves. Cremation authorities will give advice if you wish to arrange a cremation without a funeral director. 

Can relatives witness the committal of the coffin to the cremator?

Yes. Some crematoria have a viewing area that overlooks the crematory, where you may witness the committal taking place. Others may have a room with CCTV where people can view the committal on screen. Some crematoria may allow a group into the crematory to witness the committal. 

The Crematorium must be told that you wish to witness the committal when the cremation is booked. This is so that staff can make the necessary preparations on the day.

Is the coffin cremated with the body? 

Yes. The regulations state that the container and the body shall both be cremated. The container with the body inside shall not be opened or disturbed. This can only happen in exceptional circumstances. It must only happen with the permission and in the presence of the Applicant for Cremation. This is usually the executor or next of kin. 

How soon after the service will the cremation take place? 

The cremation should take place no later than 72 hours after the service of committal. The Applicant for Cremation will be told if cremation cannot be carried out on the same day, . 

The cremation is usually carried out shortly after the service or on the same day. If a service takes place late in the day, or a limited number of services are booked, the cremations may take place within the 72 hours. 

Coffins must be kept a secure and hygienic storage facility. This reduces the impact on the environment as less fossil fuel will be used. It also ensures the efficient use of machinery and equipment. 

How are cremated remains kept separate? 

A cremator can only accept one coffin at a time. All the remains are removed from the cremator before the next cremation. An identity card is used throughout the whole process until the final disposal. This ensures correct identification. 

What happens to the cremated remains after cremation? 

The law sets out how cremated remains must be disposed of. This must follow the written instructions of the applicant. This is usually the executor or nearest surviving relative. 

Most crematoria have a range of options. This might include scattering or burying in the garden of remembrance. Ashes may also be placed in a columbarium or interred in a small family vault or niche. 

A range of memorials is available. This includes plaques beneath rose bushes, trees or shrubs and memorial benches with plaques.  The simplest form of memorial is an entry inscribed in a book of remembrance. 

Your nearest crematorium will provide details of their facilities. Cremated remains may also be buried in family graves that are full for coffined burials. You may be able to purchase a new cremated remains grave in a cemetery. 

There is no need to make a hurried decision about the final resting place of the remains. Most crematoria can hold on to the remains until a decision is made. 

If a decision has not been made after a while, you may receive a letter asking if you are ready to go ahead. If you are not, just tell the crematorium that you need more time (a fee may be applicable). If a crematorium receives no reply, they may legally scatter or bury the cremated remains within their grounds. They need to give 2 weeks written notice before they do this.

Can more than one body be cremated at a time? 

No, each cremation is carried out separately. The cremator is only big enough for one coffin. Exceptions can be made for a mother and baby or small twin children. This has to be requested by the next of kin or executor. 

Most crematoria will allow public inspection of the ‘behind the scenes’ procedures. This helps people to understand the cremation process.

Are coffins sold back to funeral directors for re-use? 

No. The coffin and the body inside are cremated together. 

Do coffins have to be made of wood?

No, sometimes people choose a cardboard coffin. Families may want a more aesthetically pleasing coffin on display during the service. You can use a pall (a cloth covering the cardboard coffin), or a 'cocoon coffin.' This is an outer shell that covers the cardboard coffin. 

Families can also decorate a cardboard coffin themselves. Neither the pall nor the cocoon is cremated. The pall and cocoon do not contain the body of the deceased. They are simply superficial coverings for a cardboard coffin. 

Can I visit a crematorium and see what happens behind the scenes? 

Yes. All crematoria will arrange a visit if given prior notice. The visit may take place while cremations are taking place or when not. The choice is yours. This open door policy helps to dispel the myths that have been explained above. 

Seeing the cremation process reassures people that all cremations take place individually. They can see that coffins are cremated with the deceased and that identity is maintained throughout the process. This can give a family peace of mind that they receive the correct cremated remains. 

Where can I find out more information about cremation? 

The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Charter for the bereaved gives detailed information about the cremation process. It covers environmental and social aspects. 

Cremation authorities that have adopted the Charter will provide information and guidance. You can view the Charter document on the ICCM website.