FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Economic Funerals

Looking for information on economic funerals? Check out our FAQs for answers to common questions about these affordable funeral services. Discover what’s included, how much they cost, and if they’re right for you or your loved one. Read on to learn more.

The body is typically cleaned and dressed before being placed in a cremation container. The container can be a simple cardboard box or a more elaborate casket made of wood or other materials. The container is then placed into the cremation chamber for the actual cremation process.

No, a casket is not required for cremation. In some cases, a simple container made of wood, cardboard or other materials is sufficient for cremation. However, some crematories may require a specific type of container for safety reasons.

Funeral home or cremation service? Funeral homes typically offer a range of services, including preparation of the body, embalming, transportation, and arranging the funeral or memorial service. Cremation services may offer some or all of these services as well, but their focus is primarily on the cremation process itself.

The basic options for final disposition are burial, cremation, and donation for medical or scientific research. Burial involves placing the body in a casket and burying it in the ground. Cremation involves the use of high heat to reduce the body to ashes, which can be kept in an urn or scattered. Donation for medical or scientific research involves donating the body to a medical or scientific institution for educational or research purposes.

Some people may view cremation as less traditional or less respectful than burial. Additionally, certain religious or cultural traditions may not allow for cremation. Finally, some people may find it difficult emotionally to deal with the process of cremation and the handling of their loved one’s remains.

It is important to understand the process of cremation and to make arrangements with a reputable provider. You should also consider any personal or cultural preferences when making decisions about cremation, including the type of container or casket to use and how to handle the remains.

The temperature during cremation typically ranges from 1600-2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

When a body is cremated, it is placed in a cremation chamber, which is then heated to very high temperatures (typically between 1600-2000 degrees Fahrenheit) for several hours. The heat causes the body to break down into bone fragments and ash. The remains are then processed into a fine powder and placed in an urn.

Yes, the ashes from cremation are the remains of the person who was cremated. The ashes may also include small bone fragments, but the majority of the remains are the ash that is left after the body has been cremated.

The timing of cremation can vary depending on local laws and regulations, as well as personal preferences. In some cases, the body may be cremated soon after the funeral, while in other cases it may be several days or weeks later.

A direct cremation without any formal services or viewing is often the cheapest way to be cremated. The cost may vary depending on the location and the provider, but this option is typically less expensive than a traditional funeral or cremation with a viewing.

The body is typically cremated in the same container or casket that it was placed in for the funeral or viewing. However, some crematories may require a specific type of container for safety reasons.

Yes, the body is typically cremated with the clothes on. However, some crematories may require that certain items of clothing be removed for safety reasons.

No, it is a common misconception that bodies sit up or move during cremation. The high temperature of the cremation chamber and the weight of the body prevent any movement.

Yes, teeth do burn during cremation, but they do not completely disintegrate. After the cremation process, the remaining bone fragments are processed into ash, and any remaining teeth fragments are typically ground down to a fine powder.

Yes, there can be trace amounts of DNA in cremated ashes, but it is typically difficult to extract and identify. The high temperature of the cremation process can damage DNA, and the remains may also contain DNA from other sources such as bone fragments or dental fillings.

It is possible for other materials to be mixed in with the ashes, such as small bone fragments or pieces of metal from dental fillings or medical implants. These materials are typically removed during the processing of the remains.

Human ashes typically do not have a strong smell, but they may have a faint scent of burnt bone or ash.

Yes, it is possible to have a viewing or visitation before the cremation process. This can be arranged through a funeral home or cremation provider.

The cremation provider is responsible for placing the ashes into the urn after the cremation process is complete.

Yes, many cremation providers will allow you to bring in your own urn or purchase one from a third-party vendor.

Yes, it is possible to be cremated without a funeral. This is known as a direct cremation and typically involves no formal services or ceremonies.

Some things to consider when choosing cremation include the cost, environmental impact, religious or cultural beliefs, and personal preferences. It is important to choose a reputable and licensed cremation provider and to ask any questions you may have about the process.

People may choose cremation for a variety of reasons, such as environmental concerns, cost, or personal preferences. Some may also choose cremation for religious or cultural reasons.

A crematorium is a facility designed for the cremation of human remains. It typically includes a high-temperature cremation chamber, a holding area for the body before and after cremation, and a viewing room or chapel for services.

In most cases, internal organs are not removed during embalming. However, the embalmer may make small incisions and use various techniques to treat the organs and preserve them.

To obtain a Presidential Certificate Request Form, you can visit your local VA office or contact the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at 1-866-272-6272.

To obtain military records for a funeral, you can submit a request to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) online, by mail, or by fax. More information can be found on their website: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records.

Flowers are typically sent as a symbol of sympathy and condolence to the family of the deceased.

It is not possible to delay having a funeral indefinitely, but some funeral homes may offer options for scheduling a service at a later date.

Social Security benefits may be available to certain family members of the deceased, including a surviving spouse, children, and dependent parents. More information can be found on the Social Security Administration’s website: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/.

The Social Security death benefit amount is a one-time payment of $255 that is paid to the surviving spouse or children of someone who has died and was eligible for Social Security benefits.

Remains refer to the physical remains of the deceased after death. They can be buried or cremated, and are typically handled by a funeral home or crematory.

No, it is not common for people to watch the actual cremation process. However, some crematories may allow family members to observe the placement of the body into the cremation chamber.

People may choose cremation for a variety of reasons, including cost, convenience, and environmental concerns. Additionally, some people may prefer the idea of having their remains scattered or kept in an urn rather than being buried in a cemetery.

Cremation involves placing the body in a special furnace called a cremation chamber, which is heated to high temperatures (typically between 1600-2000 degrees Fahrenheit) to reduce the body to bone fragments and ash. These remains are then processed into a fine powder and placed in an urn.

A crematorium is a facility that specializes in the cremation process. The body is placed in a cremation chamber and exposed to high temperatures to reduce it to bone fragments and ash. The remains are then processed into a fine powder and placed in an urn.

The time required to cremate a body can vary depending on the size of the body and the type of equipment used. On average, it takes 2-3 hours to cremate a body.

Do you want to have a gathering with a viewing of the body? This is a personal decision and may depend on cultural or religious traditions, as well as individual preferences. Some people choose to have a gathering with a viewing of the body, while others prefer to have a simple ceremony or no ceremony at all.

The services included will depend on the provider and the package chosen. Funeral homes may offer a range of services including embalming, viewing of the body, funeral or memorial services, transportation of the body, and coordination with cemetery or crematory. Cremation services may offer basic services such as transportation and cremation, or more comprehensive packages including memorial services or scattering of ashes. It is important to review and understand the services offered and associated costs before making a decision.

The four essential elements of a cremation are the container or casket, the cremation chamber, high temperatures, and the processing of the remains into ashes.

Cremation has become increasingly common in recent years. In the United States, the cremation rate is now over 50% and is expected to continue to rise.

Yes, it is possible to be cremated without a funeral service. This is often referred to as a direct cremation, where the body is cremated without any formal funeral or memorial service.

Caskets are not typically reused for cremation, as they are designed to be used for a single burial or viewing.

Crematories typically only cremate one body at a time. However, in some cases, a family may request a multiple cremation, where two or more bodies are cremated together.

No, the body does not feel pain during cremation as the person has already passed away. However, it is important to handle the body with care and respect during the cremation process.

No, the skull does not burst during cremation. While the high temperature of the cremation process can cause some expansion and cracking of the skull, it does not typically rupture or burst.

No, it is not necessary to drain the body before cremation. Any bodily fluids or gases are evaporated during the cremation process.

No, it is not necessary to remove organs before cremation. However, in some cases, certain medical devices or implants may need to be removed for safety reasons.

No, not everything burns during the cremation process. While the high temperature of the cremation chamber can break down most organic matter, certain materials such as metal or artificial joints may not completely burn and may need to be removed from the remains after the cremation.

Some cremation providers may allow family members or loved ones to witness the beginning of the cremation process, but it is not always possible or recommended. Cremation can be a difficult and emotional experience, and some people may find it distressing to witness the process.

The choice between cremation or burial is a personal one and can depend on a variety of factors, such as religious or cultural beliefs, environmental concerns, cost, and personal preferences.

The basic options for final disposition include burial, cremation, and donation of the body for scientific or medical research.

Cremation involves placing the body in a high-temperature chamber, typically between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, for a period of several hours. The heat breaks down the body into bone fragments, which are then processed into ash and returned to the family.

Some cremation providers may allow family members or loved ones to witness the beginning of the cremation process, but it is not always possible or recommended. Cremation can be a difficult and emotional experience, and some people may find it distressing to witness the process.

The length of time required for cremation can vary depending on factors such as the size of the body and the type of cremation chamber used. Generally, the process takes between two and four hours.

The temperature during cremation typically ranges between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

The body is typically washed and dressed, and any medical devices or objects that may interfere with the cremation process are removed.

To apply for VA benefits for a funeral, you can contact your local VA office or call the VA’s National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.

There is no set time frame for how quickly a deceased person must be buried or cremated, but it is generally recommended to take care of these arrangements within a few days.

Whether young children should attend a funeral service is a personal decision that depends on the child’s age, maturity, and relationship to the deceased. It may be helpful to discuss the option with a child psychologist or counselor.

To apply for Social Security death benefits, the funeral director will usually notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the death and provide the necessary information. If this has not been done, the surviving spouse or a family member should contact the SSA to apply for the death benefit.  

Whether young children should attend a funeral service is a personal decision that depends on the child’s age, maturity, and relationship to the deceased. It may be helpful to discuss the option with a child psychologist or counselor.

A funeral or cremation alternative container is a basic, unadorned container made of cardboard, pressed wood, or other materials that is used to hold the remains for cremation. This is often a less expensive option than a traditional casket.

Cremation is a process by which the body of a deceased person is reduced to ashes and bone fragments through the use of intense heat and flame. The process usually takes place in a special furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. During the cremation process, the body is placed in a container, which may be a casket or an alternative container, and then transferred to the cremation chamber. The chamber is heated to a high temperature of around 1,400-1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, and the body is subjected to direct heat and flame. The process usually takes a few hours to complete, and after the cremation, the remaining bone fragments are further reduced to a fine, powdery substance called cremated remains, or simply “ashes.” The ashes are then placed in an urn or other container and returned to the family or loved ones of the deceased.

A register is a book that is often present at a funeral or memorial service for attendees to sign their name and express their condolences to the family of the deceased. It is also used to track attendance.

Our staff of dedicated professionals is available to assist you in making funeral service arrangements, from selecting a casket or urn to selecting funeral flowers.