Funeral flowers

For some, making the decision to choose cremation when a loved one passes can be a difficult one. One of the main reasons for this is that understanding what happens with a burial is easier than understanding what happens during the cremation process.

For most of us, we'll never see what goes on behind the scenes at a crematorium, so the process can seem a bit mysterious. But understanding exactly what the process involves is an important step towards making your decision and easing some of the anxiety involved.

Modern crematoriums use large specially-designed cremators that have been designed for cremations. The cremation process, on average, takes between two and three hours to complete.

At Distinct Cremations, we handle every step of the cremation process, whether it's an attended cremation or a direct cremation, with the utmost care and respect:

  • Identification A unique tag is assigned to confirm the identity of the deceased, ensuring that throughout the process, the correct person is cremated and their ashes are handled in line with the family's wishes.
  • Preparation: The body is carefully cleaned, and if desired by the family, dressed in their chosen clothes or in a provided robe, ensuring dignity at all times.
  • Placement: The body is then gently placed into a fully combustible coffin, designed specifically for the cremation process.
  • Cremation: The coffin is respectfully placed in the cremation chamber. Over the next 2-3 hours, the heat breaks down the body and coffin to ash.
  • Collection of ashes: Once the cremation is complete, the ashes are carefully collected and placed into an ashes container or urn, ready to be returned to the family. Or the ashes are scattered in the garden of remembrance.

Each crematorium ensures proper identification of the deceased takes place, that all the necessary paperwork has been completed and that your loved one is handled with respect throughout their time in our care.

1. Identities are confirmed

The first step in the process is to identify the deceased.

After the deceased has had their identity confirmed, a unique identity tag is secured around their ankle or wrist which allows the funeral team to ensure the correct person is cremated and the ashes are looked after according to the family's wishes.

2. The body is prepared

Before the cremation, the deceased is carefully prepared. This process ensures the cremation proceeds safely and respectfully, and can vary depending on individual or family wishes. Below are the key steps involved:

  • Removal of medical devices: If the deceased has a pacemaker or any other surgical implants, these are carefully removed. This is crucial because certain devices can pose a safety risk during cremation.
  • Removal of personal possessions: Any personal items, such as jewellery or mementos, can either be cremated with the deceased or returned to the family. This choice is entirely up to the family and allows for meaningful decisions about how to honour their loved one.

Cremation

  • Donor considerations: In cases where the deceased was an organ donor, those organs may have already been removed for donation before cremation preparations begin. This process does not interfere with the dignity of cremation and is a meaningful way to fulfil the deceased's final wishes.
  • Cleaning and dressing: At Distinct Cremations, we respectfully wash and clean the body, following the family's preferences. If desired by the family, the deceased is dressed in their chosen clothes or in a provided robe.

Unlike burials, embalming is rarely necessary for cremations, so at Distinct Cremations we introduce no additional chemicals to the body. This approach allows for a more environmentally conscious farewell while ensuring your loved one is treated with the utmost respect.

At Distinct Cremations, we take great care to honour your wishes, ensuring that every detail of the preparation is carried out with dignity and compassion.

3. Cremating the deceased

After the deceased has been prepared with care and respect, the next step is the cremation. This process is designed to ensure dignity at every stage, from the moment the body is transported to the crematorium to the final collection of ashes. Each step is handled with the utmost respect, ensuring that your loved one is cared for throughout.

Transport to the crematorium

Once the body has been prepared and placed in their coffin, the deceased is respectfully transported to the crematorium. Depending on your wishes, the cremation may take place in the crematorium without a funeral like in the image to the right, or the coffin can be placed in the crematorium’s chapel for a funeral service before cremation begins. This ensures a respectful journey from preparation to the final farewell.

Direct cremation

The cremation process

After the funeral service, or when ready for cremation, the coffin is moved to the main cremation area. The coffin, with the body inside, is then placed into a specialist cremator. The deceased remains in their coffin throughout the entire process and is never exposed directly to the flames. The cremator's heat gradually reduces the coffin to ashes over a period of about 2-3 hours.

Read our what happens at a crematon for more detailed information about the cremation process.

4. Refining the ashes

Ashes readying

When the cremation is complete and the ashes of the deceased have cooled down, they’re collected by a cremation assistant and checked over.

At this point, any impurities are then removed before being transferred to a machine called a cremulator which refines the cremated remains into the fine powder we recognise as ashes.

When completed, the deceased’s ashes are carefully placed into a labelled container, ready for collection or scattering by the crematorium staff.

Throughout this process, strict protocols are followed to ensure that the ashes are correctly identified and treated with the utmost care. From the moment the cremation begins until the ashes are ready for collection, the focus is always on maintaining respect and dignity for your loved one.

5. Scattering ashes or returning to family

The final step in the process is to either have your loved one’s ashes returned to you or have their ashes scattered in one of our gardens of remembrance by the crematorium staff. This option provides a serene and peaceful resting place for those who wish to leave their loved one in a dedicated space of reflection.

If you choose to have the ashes returned to you, there are many meaningful ways to honour them. You may decide to keep the ashes in an urn or ashes container at home, where they can be placed somewhere special. Alternatively, you can scatter the ashes in a location that holds sentimental value - whether it's a favourite place of the deceased, a family garden, or another meaningful spot.

This final act can be a deeply personal way to say goodbye, giving you the freedom to create a lasting tribute.

Ashes readying

Our funeral services and plans

We compassionately deliver first-class attended cremation services or direct cremations. Direct cremation offers a simple, unattended funeral. If you’re planning ahead, we also offer funeral plans including direct cremation plans.

View our low cost funeral services below. Alternatively, you can view our price list or our CMA standardised price list for a breakdown of costs.

Arrange a Funeral

From £1,199

If your loved one has passed away or is in the final stages of life, our team is here 24/7 to assist you. We provide guidance and support for every step, including the collection and care of your loved one, handling all necessary paperwork, and overseeing the funeral day itself.

 

Funeral Plans

From £1,899 or £19.79* per month

Gain peace of mind with pre-arranged and prepaid funeral plans for future arrangements. We ensure guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions.

* Price advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £2,374.80 and includes administration fees.

FAQs for how a body is prepared for cremation

How is the body dressed for cremation?

At Distinct Cremations, we treat every individual with care and respect throughout the entire process. Before the cremation, the body is washed and cleaned. Your loved one can either be dressed in their own clothes or in a simple and dignified robe that we will provide. This choice is entirely up to the family, and we are here to accommodate your wishes.

Is the coffin burnt with the body during cremation?

Yes, during the cremation process, the coffin is cremated alongside the body. The coffin is fully combustible and designed specifically for cremation. It remains sealed throughout the process, and the deceased is never exposed directly to the flames. By keeping the coffin intact, we ensure that your loved one is treated with respect, and the cremation proceeds safely and with dignity.

How long does it take to cremate the body?

The cremation process typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This time allows for the body and coffin to be fully reduced to ashes through the high heat generated in the cremator. Once the cremation is complete, the ashes are carefully collected, refined, and placed in an ashes container or urn of your choosing.

Other useful resources

Discover a wealth of helpful articles, checklists and funeral guidance from our experts, to support you and your loved ones.

How long does cremation take?

Black Coffin In Chapel

With over 30 years of experience behind us helping to provide exemplary funeral care to families across the UK, we’ve learned a thing or two about what happens at a cremation.

How long does a cremation take?

Can you be cremated without a service?

Cremation without service

Unlike traditional funerals, cremations without funeral services have no funeral procession, flowers or cars and no attendance of mourners at the crematorium itself.

Cremation without a funeral

The cremation process explained

Open Order Of Service Booklet Next To Photo

Many of us are familiar with the idea of cremation, but for those who’ve never attended a cremation service, the question of what happens at a cremation still remains.

The cremation process explained

What our customers say about us

We offer the highest level of support, but don't just take our word for it. Below are recent reviews from customers who bought a funeral with us.

4.9/5
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Anonymous, on Feefo 28 Mar 2025
The team have been amazing during dealing with the death of two family members in a very short period of time . We dealt mainly with Yasmin who has been do helpful and understanding during our time of loss. As result of the service provided during this time further family members have decided to proceed with booking such services for themselves for the future.
Lisa Matthews, on Feefo 22 Mar 2025
Very helpful with difficult decisions. No pressure sales as with other funeral services I approached. Also very good price in comparison with others.
Anonymous, on Feefo 19 Mar 2025
From my first interaction requesting a guide to my conversation with Sophie, I cannot fault the service I've received. All my questions have been answered in a way that I can understand what I am being offered and what I have asked for. All processes and procedures have been explained and I have been given ample time to research other possible companies and I haven't felt pressurised or been given the 'hard sale'. On the service i have received so far I would highly recommend them to family and friends
Anonymous, on Feefo 10 Mar 2025
Bought a policy online which was quick and simple to do and then received a courtesy call from Distinct Cremations to make sure that I was happy with my purchase. Very professional.
Debbie Burchell, on Feefo 8 Mar 2025
I had no idea where to go when my mum passed away. We had discussed that she wanted to be cremated, but that was it. My partner saw Distinct Cremations on our local Crematorium website, as they work with them. I didn't want loads of fuss, or to go into an office. Just a lovely personal service. Distinct Cremations went above and beyond in every area. I picked my options on the website, nice and simple, to get an idea of my quote. Then had a lovely discussion on the phone with Dan. We talked about all the options I wanted and he was so thougthful, sincere and genuinely supportive, I was really nicely surprised. It was really simple to put the order through and to pay for. Since then I have had a singluar, regular contact called Grace who looked after me every step of the way. The professionalism and compassion of the staff at Distinct Cremations is second to none. I was informed at every step with what was going to happen. They regularly checked in with me, to make sure I was doing ok. The service and celebrant Carol Porter was incredible. Everything happened exactly as planned. I couldn't have wanted anything better. The ashes were delivered to me at home, I had the standard box for them to be delivered in. The gentleman who delivered them was really kind and compassionate also. They came in a really nice blue box. Thank you for making one of the worst times of my life as easy as it could have been. I would highly recommend Distinct Cremations to everyone. I would definitely use them again myself.
Anonymous, on Feefo 7 Mar 2025
I purchased a cremation plan for my wife and myself. It was very easy to do and so far everything is fine. Just hope I don"t need to use it for a while. Bob
Yvette Glover, on Feefo 7 Mar 2025
I am so grateful to the two people who looked after me during the process of organising the cremation. They were really caring and nothing seemed too much trouble. A huge thank you to Daniel and especially Maxine.
David Peter Lee, on Feefo 6 Mar 2025
Excellent company and great customer service and follow up.
4.9/5
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4.9/5
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