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    "result": {"data":{"article":{"title":"What happens at a cremation?","slug":"what-happens-at-a-cremation","description":{"description":"Cremation has been a funeral option in the UK for over 150 years, but it still remains a mystery to many people. Here, we look at exactly what happens at a cremation so you and your family know what to expect."},"metaTitle":null,"metaDescription":null,"articleCategories":[{"shortTitle":"Burial and cremation","slug":"burial-and-cremation"},{"shortTitle":"Arranging a funeral","slug":"arranging-a-funeral"},{"shortTitle":"Planning a funeral","slug":"planning-a-funeral"},{"shortTitle":"Attending a funeral","slug":"attending-a-funeral"}],"image":{"file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/5bw65n0fz39f/7j0XGQ8fdH6WVao59sKmy1/27267779ceac27288899955f435af241/what-happens-at-a-cremation_.png","details":{"image":{"height":2048,"width":2048}}},"title":"what-happens-at-a-cremation"},"intro":null,"backgroundType":"Background with edge","product":null,"publishedAt":"2020-02-14T00:00","reviewedAt":"2024-08-27","updatedAt":"2024-08-27T11:29:04.725Z","richContent":null,"structuredDataMain":{"internal":{"content":"{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@context\":\"https://schema.org\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"name\":\"How is the person identified at the crematorium?\",\"@type\":\"Question\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"text\":\"When someone is taken to a crematorium, they're given a unique identification number and physical tag. This is an essential safeguard to track them through the whole cremation process. It also helps to give your family the confidence that the ashes you receive are the remains of your loved one. \\n\\nThe medical forms and certificate are also checked at the crematorium. This is to make sure the cremation has been authorised by a doctor and the cremation authority before taking place.\",\"@type\":\"Answer\"}},{\"name\":\"How is a body prepared for cremation?\",\"@type\":\"Question\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"text\":\"To prepare the body for the cremation process, any medical devices (such as a pacemaker) are removed. It's always recommended that families remove any jewellery before their loved one is collected, but another check will be carried out at the crematorium just to make sure.\\n\\nYour loved one is then placed in a simple wooden coffin before being moved through to the cremation chamber.\",\"@type\":\"Answer\"}},{\"name\":\"How does the cremation work?\",\"@type\":\"Question\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"text\":\"Once all the forms are approved and the body has been prepared, your loved one is placed in the cremation chamber. This is set to a temperature between 1000°C and 1300°C. Once the ashes have cooled, magnets are used to pull any remaining metal out of the remains, before a grinder called a cremulator will turn any bone fragments into a white powder. The cremated remains are then collected in a temporary urn ready to be returned to your family.\",\"@type\":\"Answer\"}},{\"name\":\"How long does a cremation take?\",\"@type\":\"Question\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"text\":\"A cremation takes around 2-3 hours to complete, creating between 1kg and 3kg of ashes. Family members are welcome to watch the body as it enters the cremation chamber, which is often called a \\\"witness cremation\\\". However, it's very rare that families watch the actual cremation process take place.\\n\\nAt a funeral service, a curtain usually comes across when the body is committed to the chamber. This is often the point in the service where family and friends leave the crematorium.\\n\\nWith direct cremation, the memorial service takes place at a later date (often with the ashes present), so the cremation itself isn’t attended by family or friends.\",\"@type\":\"Answer\"}}]}"}},"structuredDataAdditionalObject":{"internal":{"content":"{\"name\":\"Farewill Funerals\",\"@type\":\"Product\",\"brand\":\"Farewill\",\"image\":\"https://farewill.com/logos/share.jpg\",\"@context\":\"https://schema.org/\",\"description\":\"From a simple service at your local crematorium, to a family gathering by the sea, we’ll help you create a beautiful send-off at an affordable price.\",\"aggregateRating\":{\"@type\":\"AggregateRating\",\"bestRating\":\"5\",\"ratingCount\":\"7549\",\"ratingValue\":\"4.9\",\"worstRating\":\"1\"}}"}},"sections":[{"__typename":"ContentfulContentSection","title":"The cremation process explained","richContent":{"references":[],"raw":"{\"nodeType\":\"document\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"1. How is the person identified at the crematorium?\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"When someone is taken to a crematorium, they're given a unique identification number and physical tag. This is an essential safeguard to track them through the \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://farewill.com/arrange-a-cremation\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"cremation\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"underline\"}],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" process, and ensures that the ashes you receive are the remains of your loved one. When the ashes are transferred to the urn, the physical tag is replaced with a label.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"The medical forms and certificate are also checked at the crematorium. This is to make sure the cremation has been authorised by a doctor and the cremation authority before the cremation takes place.\\n\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"2. How is a body prepared for cremation?\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"It's always recommended that families remove any jewellery before their loved one is collected. If that’s not possible, the funeral director will also contact the family to ask if they would like any jewellery returned. To prepare the body for the cremation process, any medical devices (such as a pacemaker) are also removed. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Under UK law, something must be in place to cover the body of a person who’s died – this is usually a coffin. Coffins can be expensive, so some people find it surprising that they go into the cremation chamber along with the body. But for many, it’s a mark of tradition and respect to send someone to their cremation within a coffin. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"With a \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://farewill.com/arrange-a-cremation\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Farewill direct cremation\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\", the body is dressed in a simple white gown, and placed in an oak-veneer coffin. The body is then moved through to the cremation chamber.\\n\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"3. How does the cremation work?\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"The cremation chamber is set to a temperature between 1000°C and 1300°C. Once the ashes have cooled, magnets are used to pull any remaining metal from the remains, before a grinder called a cremulator turns any bone fragments into a white powder. The cremated remains are then collected in an urn. This is then either delivered to the family or collected, or the ashes are scattered in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]}]}"},"slug":"the-cremation-process-explained"},{"__typename":"ContentfulCallout","contentful_id":"1Wq9hpxTtRV44unEjaRdsh","title":"The send-off that feels just right","cta":{"type":"Link","link":"https://farewill.com/funerals/quote","text":"Get an instant quote","secondaryCta":null,"arrowIcon":null},"secondCta":null,"richContent":{"raw":"{\"nodeType\":\"document\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Say goodbye your way – a direct cremation can save thousands in funeral costs, and gives you the freedom to plan a goodbye that really means something. We're here to listen and guide you through the process.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]}]}","references":[]}},{"__typename":"ContentfulContentSection","title":"How long does a cremation take?","richContent":{"references":[],"raw":"{\"nodeType\":\"document\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"The cremation process itself takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete, creating between 1kg and 3kg of ashes. When people talk about ‘a cremation’, they’re often talking about more than just the process itself.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Traditional cremations\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"A traditional cremation usually involves a ceremony at the crematorium. This may take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the type of ceremony. At the end of the service, you may see curtains close around the coffin, or the coffin may be lowered through the catafalque (the platform it rests on during the ceremony). This is called the ‘committal’ and is the final chance to say goodbye, prior to the cremation. The committal is not the start of the cremation itself. This takes place in a room called the crematory, often up to 72 hours after the ceremony.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Direct cremations\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"A \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://farewill.com/funerals/direct-cremation\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"direct cremation\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"underline\"}],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" is cremation without family or friends in attendance. Instead, families often choose to \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://farewill.com/articles/how-to-plan-a-memorial-service\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"plan a memorial\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"underline\"}],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" at a church, plan their own \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://farewill.com/articles/whats-a-celebration-of-life\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"celebration of life\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"underline\"}],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\", or a gathering that better reflects the person who has died. With a direct cremation, the ashes can be returned to the family and can form part of their own \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://farewill.com/articles/how-to-plan-a-memorial-service\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"memorial\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\".\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Witness cremations\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"A witness cremation is a small private ceremony that allows family and friends to watch as the body is cremated. This is offered by some funeral directors and must be agreed with the crematorium in advance. Depending on the facilities available at the crematorium, families may watch some or all of the cremation from a viewing room. This can take up to 5 hours.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]}]}"},"slug":"how-long-does-a-cremation-take-what-happens-at-a-cremation"},{"__typename":"ContentfulContentSection","title":"What happens after a cremation?","richContent":{"references":[],"raw":"{\"nodeType\":\"document\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Once the cremation has been completed, the crematorium staff collect the ashes. Any metals (for example, hip replacements) are removed, and the ashes are placed into a cremulator. This is a machine that grinds the ashes into a power. The ashes are then placed into the chosen urn and held safely until they can be returned to the family, or scattered in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]}]}"},"slug":"what-happens-after-a-cremation"},{"__typename":"ContentfulContentSection","title":"How long after a cremation do you get the ashes?","richContent":{"references":[],"raw":"{\"nodeType\":\"document\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"The time it takes to receive the ashes varies depending on the arrangements you’ve made with the funeral director. With \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://farewill.com/\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Farewill\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\", you can arrange to collect the ashes within 2 working days of the cremation date, or we can hand deliver them to you in an urn of your choice, within 30 working days. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"If you arrange a traditional cremation with a funeral director on the high street, the cremation ash may need to be collected from the crematorium or funeral home, or they may arrange to deliver them to you in a temporary urn.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]}]}"},"slug":"how-long-after-a-cremation-do-you-get-the-ashes"},{"__typename":"ContentfulContentSection","title":"Direct cremation vs. traditional cremation","richContent":{"references":[],"raw":"{\"nodeType\":\"document\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"In 2019, only 3% of funerals were direct cremations. By 2023, this figure rose to 20%, according to the Sun Life Cost of Dying report. There are many reasons for this sudden increase in popularity, including the pandemic, cost, personalisation and convenience.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Here, we’ll explain the key differences between direct cremation and traditional cremation:\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"1. The service\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"A traditional cremation is more like a traditional funeral, and is usually arranged by a funeral director. The facilities available for the service vary between crematoria, and a funeral director will help the family or friends to arrange the service. A celebrant or religious leader typically leads the service, where they’ll talk about the person who has died. The service may feature readings from members of the family, or music. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"A direct cremation is a cremation without a service at the crematorium. Families are free to arrange a memorial service or a celebration of life at a time and place that suits them. Some people plan a formal memorial service, and others prefer something informal, like a gathering of friends, a family meal, or a tree planting. Lots of people prefer direct cremations because it gives them the freedom to plan a gathering that better reflects the person who has died.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"2. Cremation fees\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"A traditional cremation costs around £3,795, and a traditional burial £5,000, according to Sun Life’s 2024 Cost of Dying Report, \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"A direct cremation is a more affordable option for many people. With Farewill, you can \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://farewill.com/funerals/direct-cremation\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"arrange a direct cremation without a service\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"underline\"}],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" from £895.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"3. A personal farewell\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"When arranging a traditional cremation, the funeral director will give you options for things like the coffin, urn, funeral flowers, or procession of cars. A celebrant may also help you choose things like readings or music for the service at the crematorium. Family and friends will gather at the crematorium, where the service is usually more formal.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"With direct cremation, the funeral director will provide the coffin, choose the crematorium and set the date of the cremation. As there is no service at the crematorium, things are much simpler. The funeral director will tell you the date of the cremation, so many families make time for a quiet day of reflection or to visit a place that really meant something to the person who died. Rather than the formal service, the partner, children, grandchildren or friends may plan a memorial or celebration of life. Many people find this is a more personal farewell than a service at a crematorium.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]}]}"},"slug":"direct-cremation-vs-traditional-cremation"}],"author":{"name":"Matt Morgan","slug":"matt-morgan","title":"Head of Funerals","image":{"file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/5bw65n0fz39f/75FW2Zx2r8G3eavnaXRhiR/aa13b058aeed28b4bd2a14d8a6aa24a6/Matt.png"},"title":"matt"}},"relatedArticles":null,"cta":{"title":"Arrange a funeral today","description":{"description":"Answer a few questions to start arranging a funeral as unique as the person it’s for."},"buttonText":"Get a personalised quote","buttonLink":"https://farewill.com/funerals/quote","isTelephoneNumber":false},"footer":{"title":"Create a meaningful funeral today","description":"A direct cremation gives you the freedom to plan a more personal goodbye. Talk to our friendly team about how to create a meaningful, affordable sendoff, and a brighter way to say goodbye.","cta":{"type":"Link","link":"https://farewill.com/funerals/quote","text":"Get an instant quote","secondaryCta":null,"arrowIcon":null},"trustmarks":"Funerals"}},"nextArticleInGuide":{"title":"What can you do with the ashes after a cremation?","slug":"what-can-you-do-with-the-ashes-after-a-cremation","type":"Help","image":{"file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/5bw65n0fz39f/5OgftMkhqYW16qtyETuA9W/55af0746e58ea12ddf803ce697068e38/what-can-you-do-with-ashes_.png"},"title":"what-can-you-do-with-ashes"}},"guide":{"title":"How to arrange a funeral","slug":"how-to-arrange-a-cremation"}},"pageContext":{"slug":"what-happens-at-a-cremation","guideSlug":"how-to-arrange-a-cremation","nextArticleInGuideSlug":"what-can-you-do-with-the-ashes-after-a-cremation","contentLastModified":"2024-08-27","pageType":"public"}},
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