Cremation Services:
Common Questions Answered

Cremation services offer a range of options for families, from traditional ceremonies to personalized memorials.

To help you better understand the choices and processes involved, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cremation services.

Cremation is a process that uses high heat to reduce the body to ashes, also known as cremated remains. The ashes are then placed in an urn or another container chosen by the family.

Cremation offers flexibility in memorialization, allowing families to choose a meaningful way to honour their loved one.

Yes, a funeral or memorial service can be held before or after the cremation process. Some families choose to have a traditional service with the body present before cremation, while others hold a memorial service with the urn present afterward.

Cremation allows for a variety of service options based on your family’s preferences.

Many religions and cultures accept cremation, though practices vary. Some religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, traditionally favor cremation, while others may have specific guidelines.

It’s essential to consult with a religious leader if you have questions about religious practices related to cremation.

Cremation requires a suitable container for the body, which can be a cremation casket or an alternative container, typically made of wood or cardboard.

After the process, ashes are placed in an urn chosen by the family, and there are many styles available, including decorative, biodegradable, and keepsake urns.

Yes, many families choose to keep the ashes at home in a decorative urn. This can be a comforting way to keep the memory of a loved one close.

There are also options for sharing ashes among family members, using keepsake urns or cremation jewellery.

Ashes can be scattered in a meaningful location, such as a favorite outdoor spot, or in a designated scattering garden.

Some families also choose to scatter ashes at sea or even use biodegradable urns designed for water scattering. Be sure to check local regulations, as some places require permits for scattering.

Cremation is often considered more environmentally friendly than traditional burial, as it requires less land use and does not involve embalming chemicals.

There are also “green cremation” options that use water-based methods to minimize environmental impact.

Direct cremation is a simple, cost-effective option that doesn’t include a formal funeral or viewing. However, at Jones Funeral Home, we offer families the opportunity for a private, one-hour family viewing before the cremation takes place.

While direct cremation is generally more affordable, we encourage families to consider celebrating their loved one’s life by renting the Trafalgar Room or planning a memorial service at a later date and location that is meaningful to them.

This flexibility allows families to choose a tribute that best fits their needs and honours their loved one’s memory.

Yes, cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery plot or columbarium. Some families choose to place the urn in a family plot or dedicate a new space for the ashes.

Many cemeteries offer specific sections or columbarium niches for cremated remains.

The cremation process typically takes about two to three hours, though it may vary depending on the equipment used and the individual circumstances.

Afterward, it may take additional time to cool and process the ashes before they are returned to the family.

Cremation jewellery and keepsake urns are smaller containers designed to hold a portion of the ashes, allowing multiple family members to keep a personal remembrance.

Cremation jewellery can include necklaces, rings, or bracelets, while keepsake urns are small decorative containers.

Preparing for a cremation service involves deciding on service details, choosing an urn, and selecting any personal touches, such as music or readings.

Our funeral directors can help guide you through the options and ensure all arrangements align with your preferences.

Some crematories offer the option to witness the cremation, which can provide a sense of closure for family members.

Witnessing may involve being present when the cremation begins or having a private viewing area.

Speak with our funeral directors to learn if this option is available.

After the cremation, the ashes are carefully placed in a temporary container or an urn selected by the family.

The funeral home will notify the family when the ashes are ready for collection. In some cases, ashes can also be shipped to a family member if arranged in advance.

Cremation costs vary depending on the type of service chosen, the cremation container, and additional options such as urn selection.

Generally, a direct cremation is more affordable than a full traditional funeral with burial, however a direct cremation also doesn’t mean you shouldn’t honour your loved one through a gathering or service to be held at a later date.

Cremation offers a meaningful and flexible way to honor your loved one. We hope these answers provide clarity and help you make informed choices that suit your family’s needs.

If you have additional questions or need personalized assistance, please reach out to our team for guidance on planning a respectful and fitting tribute.