Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for end-of-life arrangements, offering simplicity, flexibility, and affordability. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, understanding what happens during cremation can provide comfort and peace of mind.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate the cremation process and the options available for honouring a loved one’s memory.

🌿 What Is Cremation?

Cremation is a respectful process that reduces the body to ashes through high heat. The resulting remains—often called cremains—are returned to the family in an urn or another container for memorialisation, scattering, or burial.

💡 Did you know? Cremation has been practiced for thousands of years and is now chosen by over 70% of Australian families.

🔥 The Cremation Process: Step by Step

1. Preparation & Identification

✔ Secure Identification: The deceased is carefully identified and tagged to ensure accuracy throughout the process.
✔ Personal Items: Jewellery and other belongings are removed and returned to the family (if requested).
✔ Coffin or Casket Selection: The body is placed in a combustible coffin or casket, typically made of wood or cardboard.

2. The Cremation Process

✔ Placement in the Cremation Chamber: The container is moved into a high-heat cremation chamber (retort).
✔ Transformation to Ashes: The process typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, during which the body is reduced to bone fragments.

3. Processing the Remains

✔ Cooling & Metal Removal: After cooling, the remains are inspected for any metal fragments (e.g., surgical implants), which are removed and recycled.
✔ Ash Processing: The bone fragments are processed into a fine, sand-like texture, creating the cremated remains.

4. Returning the Ashes

✔ The ashes are placed in an urn or container chosen by the family and returned for memorialisation.

🕊️ What Can You Do With the Ashes?

Families have many meaningful options for handling cremated remains, including:

🌊 Scattering

✔ In a garden, beach, forest, or another meaningful location.
✔ Some families hold a scattering ceremony as a special tribute.

⛪ Burial

✔ Inter in a cemetery plot or memorial niche.
✔ Some families choose biodegradable urns for an eco-friendly approach.

💎 Keepsakes & Memorial Jewellery

✔ Transform ashes into glass art, diamonds, or jewellery.
✔ Store a small portion in a locket or pendant as a personal tribute.

🏡 Home Display

✔ Keep the urn in a special place at home as a cherished remembrance.

💙 Why Choose Cremation?

✔ Affordability: Cremation is often more cost-effective than traditional burial.
✔ Flexibility: Families can plan a memorial service at any time or location.
✔ Eco-Friendly Options: Choose biodegradable urns or natural burials for a greener alternative.

💡 Tip: Pre-planning your cremation wishes ensures your preferences are honoured and helps guide your loved ones during a difficult time.

📞 Need Guidance? We’re Here to Help

At Traditional Funerals, we offer compassionate support to help families navigate cremation choices with clarity and care. Whether you’re pre-planning or making arrangements, our experienced team is here to assist you every step of the way.

📞 Contact us today to discuss cremation options or to learn more about how we can support you.