Cremation

Find everything you need to know to decide if cremation is the right choice for you.

Deciding whether or not to choose the process of cremation for your end-of-life disposition can be complicated and confusing. Our cremation pages will answer your questions and help you plan for what comes next. You’ll be able to explore your options and get clear and compassionate answers to your questions. These resources can help guide you regarding having a ceremony before or after cremation and explain your options for caring for remains.

You deserve to find out what you need to know in a gentle and respectful way. That way, you can make an informed decision about whether cremation is the right choice for you or your loved one. Whether you’re planning ahead or seeking answers for a loved one, we’re here to offer support and guidance every step of the way.

Learning About Cremation

We all approach decision-making in our own unique way. Deciding whether or not to choose cremation is no different. The first step is developing an understanding of cremation – what it is and what it’s not. We can help you decide if cremation is a good fit for your culture, religion, budget, and family traditions. All these factors determine the right way to care for your body that works for you.

Choosing Cremation

Everything you need to know to help you decide if cremation is the right choice for you.

Learn About Cremation

Cremation and Religion

The teachings of your religion often guide the decision of whether or not to choose cremation.

Find Out How Religions View Cremation

Cremation Costs

Many factors contribute to the cost of a cremation. Find out what goes into the price.

Learn More About Cremation Costs

How can I be sure I am getting a reputable cremation company?

Whether you choose cremation or in-ground burial, your best protection is to research before entering any legal agreement. Once you start to work with a company, ask questions about the qualifications of their staff, their procedures, and their processes. Listen to your gut. If you feel pressure to buy certain items or you feel uncomfortable with the staff, look for another provider. Remember, the FTC’s Funeral Rule requires funeral providers to give you prices upfront and over the telephone. They must also provide you with a full range of options, not just the most expensive ones.

Can I still have a memorial service if I use cremation?

Absolutely! With cremation, you actually have more options than with an in-ground burial. You can still have a funeral with the body on display, or you can have a memorial service with or without the remains present. Remember that embalming may be required if you have a viewing. Memorial services for cremation are flexible and can be held either at a funeral home, a venue such as a house of worship, a restaurant, or some other location that has meaning for the deceased.

Am I required to buy embalming for a cremation?

Unless you plan to have a full funeral with the body present, you are not required to purchase embalming. You may not even need to embalm with a viewing. Regulations vary state by state, so it is best to confirm what your state requires before you commit to purchasing this service.

Will I get the cremated remains back?

Yes! When you make arrangements for the cremation, you will be asked to sign an authorization form. This form should have a place for you to record how you would like the remains returned to you. The funeral director or crematorium should be able to provide you with an estimate of how long it will take until you have access to the remains.

How can I be sure my family receives the right cremated remains?

Proper identification of the deceased is one of the most important elements of the cremation process. Many facilities post their identification procedures on their websites and provide you with written information outlining their policies. If you are working with a funeral director, he or she will review the information with you. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the process and make sure you are comfortable with the steps of the process before you authorize the cremation.

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What can I do with the ashes?

There are so many things you can do with the ashes of your loved ones! These days, the only limit is your imagination! Ashes can be buried or placed in a columbarium or kept at home. In addition to traditional urns, there are products available that use ashes for jewelry, artwork, fireworks, and much more. There are many examples in our Memorial Store.

One of the most popular options is scattering the ashes at a significant place to the deceased. To learn more about scattering, visit our “Scattering Ashes” page. If you plan to transport the ashes, make sure that you comply with pertinent regulations. We have more information regarding transporting ashes on our “Transporting Ashes” page.

Can more than one body be cremated at the same time?

No! It is illegal to perform multiple cremations at the same time.

Can our family witness the cremation?

Many cremation facilities offer the loved ones of the deceased the opportunity to witness the cremation. Policies vary from facility to facility so you should ask your provider what accommodations are available for viewing or taking part in the actual process of cremation.

Is a casket required for cremation?

You will likely need a casket for a funeral or viewing with the body present. That doesn’t mean you have to buy one, though. Many facilities offer caskets for rental. You will also need an appropriate container to hold the body during the cremation. There are many economic options. You will likely see the term “alternative container.” This refers to a combustible, environmentally safe container to hold the body for cremation. Read more about your options on our Cremation Caskets page.

How is the body prepared for cremation?

If you have a funeral with the body present, the deceased will be prepared in much the same way it is for in-ground burial. It will be cleaned and perhaps embalmed. If you have a cremation without a viewing, the body will be cleaned and medical devices removed. For example, pacemakers must be removed since they can explode during cremation so they are removed. Silicone implants and other prosthetics are also removed.

Does my religion allow cremation?

The positions of various denominations and sects vary widely. Many religions leave it up to the individual to decide. Some still forbid cremation, while others mandate it. If you are trying to decide if cremation is right for you and have questions about your religion’s stance, we recommend that you consult with your pastor, priest, or spiritual advisor. Read more on our Religion and Cremation Page.

Do I have to buy an urn from the cremation company I use?

No! You are not required to buy an urn from the funeral home or crematory you use. In fact, you do not have to buy an urn at all. These days, some people make their own containers for the ashes, or they purchase one of the many beautiful choices available online. To learn more about purchasing an urn, visit our “How to Buy an Urn” page.

How can I make sure my cremation is environmentally friendly?

The options for green cremation are growing. However, most people are still limited primarily to traditional cremation. There are a number of ways that you can help ensure that your cremation does as little harm to the environment as possible. Choosing a biodegradable cremation container and urn is a very good way. We offer other suggestions for reducing the footprint of cremation on our page on Green Cremation.

Why trust Funeralwise for Information on Cremation?

Funeralwise is an independent, unbiased resource specializing in do-it-yourself funeral planning for people seeking affordability with dignity. We have been active since 2008 and are proud to be the largest provider of funeral-related information on the web. Visit our About Us page for more information about us and why we can be your trusted advisor for all things related to funerals. We never give, loan, or share personal information with third parties. So, you don’t need to worry; your data is safe with us. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

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To learn more about the full authority and expertise of Funeralwise, visit our About Us page. The Wise Guys who contributed to this page include Rick Paskin, Jennifer Lane, Molly Gorny. If you have any questions about our experience, how we can help you plan for the next steps, or about our editorial team, please email us at support@funeralwise.com.