Cremation is becoming a standard option for funeral services. However, there is limited information on what cremation involves. You may have a lot of questions if you have not attended a cremation service. Where does a cremation take place? How does a cremation process unfold? Is there a particular service order? This post offers insights into the cremation process and services.

What Is Cremation?

Cremation is a funeral service where the body is subjected to intense heat and turned into ashes. The family is given part of the ashes in an urn to keep or for disposal. The cremation process takes place in a crematorium using a machine called the cremator. In practice, the body is prepared for the crematory process, which includes removing valuables and electronic devices. The body is then put into the heated cremator in a coffin or wrapped in a shroud. 

Type of Cremation Services 

There a few options when it comes to choosing your cremation service.

Cremation With Visitation 

A visitation or wake provides the family and friends with the opportunity to see the deceased person to say goodbye. The family selects the coffin and clothing for the deceased. Typically, the visitation can involve a closed coffin or open coffin body viewing. Usually, embalming is necessary for an open casket view. The visitation happens in the funeral home and allows the mourners to place flowers and other memorial items in the casket. 

Cremation With Memorial Service

A memorial service can occur before or after the cremation. The service provides the family, close friends, and the public the opportunity to celebrate the deceased person's life. In this case, a religious leader or celebrant may officiate the ceremony. Ordinarily, the body is not present during a memorial. However, the urn with cremated ashes may be present if the ceremony happens after cremation. Notably, the event includes eulogies and tributes to honor the deceased. 

Cremation With Funeral Service 

A funeral service usually happens when the body is present in a casket or urn. The service may occur at the funeral home, open space, or the graveside. Such ceremonies may be private or public, depending on the deceased person's wishes and the family. A funeral service is a formal ceremony with an order of service. In this case, activities may include body viewing, sermon, hymns, tributes, eulogy, and benediction. Besides, it may be a religious function with a priest. 

Witnessed Cremation 

In a witnessed cremation, few select people accompany the body into the cremator room. Then the witnesses observe the cremation process. However, this discretion occurs upon request.

Ultimately, cremation is a unique way to celebrate life. This kind of service is much broader than the cremation part. Selecting this option still gives you the creativity and flexibility of a burial-type funeral.

For more information, a funeral home like Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel can help.