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.

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 £1,399

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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4.9/5
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4.8/5
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Anonymous, on Feefo 10 Dec 2024
Very informative helpful staff it has taken us a few months to consider a funeral plan and now feel that we have chosen wisely.
Anonymous, on Feefo 10 Dec 2024
As I'm not dead yet I don't know how it will go. I had good service when I book it. Everything was so easy. Maybe when I have tried the server I will give a new review.
Yvonne Selsby, on Feefo 9 Dec 2024
VERY EASY AND VERY POLITE PEOPLE
Mary Louise Henson, on Feefo 8 Dec 2024
We would recommend to use this company, so easy to do and no stress. They talk you through everything and always happy to go the extra mile for you. Kerry was amazing, she kept in regular contact and make the whole progress less stressful. On the day it was perfect everything we had asked for.
Anonymous, on Feefo 5 Dec 2024
Nothing too much trouble when answering questions about my plan over the phone, really helpful.
Belinda Jane Baker, on Feefo 4 Dec 2024
Distinct Cremations were friendly, compassionate and easy to talk to from the very first phone call. Maxine and Dan made the whole experience less traumatic for me and helped me every step of the way with such empathy and great communication, Maxine was so warm, welcoming and really was my safety net throughout the whole experience of cremating my lovely father. I will be using this service again because of the level of care and attention and because it was so important to me to be led each step of the way and be truly supported by their staff. The staff really do go above and beyond with such compassion and I will always be grateful to them for holding space and allowing me to feel my emotions throughout the whole experience.
Anonymous, on Feefo 4 Dec 2024
The help and support that I received from Grace was amazing , she was so kind and kept me informed throughout .
Andy Rudd, on Google 2 Dec 2024
From the moment my Dad passed away, the communication and arrangements where first class. Everything was handled with the utmost professionalism. I would personally like to thank Maxine for her kindness and assistance, she certainly made the sad process far more easier to manage than it maybe would have been. I have no hesitation in recommending the services that Distinct Cremations provide.
4.9/5
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4.9/5
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4.8/5
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