If you’re looking to cremate a loved one and need help understanding how cremation services work, read on! To begin with, cremation means the process of using high heat to reduce the body of a deceased person to ashes, which can then be put into an urn or scattered in accordance with family wishes.
If you’re unfamiliar with the various steps involved in cremation services, we’ve put together this short guide on how cremation works and what you can expect throughout the process.
The Process of Cremation
A body is prepared for cremation through a process called embalming, which kills most of the bacteria in a deceased person’s body. Embalming makes it possible to preserve a corpse for burial, ship it across state lines or store it indefinitely.
This helps families ensure that their loved one looks as natural as possible before his/her final send-off. It also makes sure that the body does not start decomposing in case there are any delays in relocating them or the family is indecisive about cremation.
Crematory operators start by removing organs and blood; then they wash, disinfect and prepare bones for disintegration. Finally, they place remains into an oven at temperatures between 1,500 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit until nothing but ashes remain.
Depending on state laws, family members may receive either a portion of ashes in an urn or all of them scattered in remembrance.
Is it a Good Option?
Many people in America don’t consider alternative burial or cremation options. They might fear that doing so would mean giving up on religion or being disrespectful of their loved ones, but that isn’t always true.
The option is there if you want it, whether you want to save money or have more control over your loved one’s remains. If anything, considering all of your options is another way to honor your loved one, and Cortner Chapel is here to support whatever option you choose.
How much does it cost?
Based on location, weight, and service, cremation costs can vary. The body’s weight is another factor in determining how much it will cost to cremate it; heavier bodies require more fuel to burn them completely. In general, people over 200 pounds tend to cost more for cremators to handle than those under 200 pounds. Finally, bodies that aren’t embalmed tend to be cheaper because their water content weighs less.
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