Arranging a Cremation
Approximately seventy percent of funeral services culminate with a cremation. It was developed at the end of the nineteenth century in response to growing pressure on burial grounds and has become increasingly popular since the Second World War.
Cremation is in the main more affordable than burial and new filtration systems have started to allay concerns about the negative impact of the cremation process on the environment – although this has caused the cost of cremation to rise. There are around 250 crematoria across the United Kingdom, the vast majority owned by local authorities.
In order for a cremation to take place, the registrars Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green Form) is required, or if the Coroner is involved the Coroners Order for Cremation. You will need to pass this certificate to your funeral arranger at the earliest opportunity.
The following forms are also required for the cremation to take place:
• Cremation Form 1 – Application for Cremation – this should be completed by the next of kin or an executor.
• Medical Forms 4 & 5 - statutory forms completed by the doctor who attended the deceased before death (4) and the doctor who confirmed the cause of death (5). A charge is levied for these.
• Notice of Cremation – gives notice of the cremation, provides details about the deceased and information about the service.
Since all crematoria are non-denominational, funeral services can be personalised, either by a person making plans before their own death, or by loved ones afterwards.
A cremation service takes approximately 20-25 minutes, but a longer or shorter service can be held and a service in a church or another location can be arranged beforehand.
If the funeral service is held elsewhere, you may decide that not everyone needs to attend the cremation. For example, you may opt for a private, family cremation service.
Your funeral arranger will be able to take care of, or guide you on all these matters.
Cremated Remains
It is advisable to think about what will happen to the cremated remains of the deceased following cremation. They may have made their wishes known prior to death as to a special place they wish their remains to be scattered, or if not, as a loved one you may want to choose a place of significance to the deceased, where the cremated remains might be scattered. If there are no instructions and you are unsure, your funeral arranger will be able to advise you as to the options available.
If the cremated remains are to be placed in a churchyard or cemetery, then regulations will apply. Your funeral arranger will always be on hand to guide and advise you. Private scatterings at a place of residence are also popular, but again it is best to seek professional advice. Another option is to have cremated remains of partners placed together.
Many crematoria also have manicured gardens of remembrance where your loved one’s cremated remains can be scattered or buried. Often this special place can be commemorated with a shrub, rose bush or other memorial. However, it must be noted that options at crematoria will differ, so it is suggested that you check with your funeral arranger or directly with the crematorium. We are also able to provide a wide selection of caskets and urns for burial or for storage in the home if required.
Your funeral director will be able to answer any questions you may have about cremation and related issues.
