Facing the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal experience. When considering funeral arrangements, cremation is a frequently chosen option in the UK. Variety Funerals™ understands the importance of clear information during this sensitive time. This in-depth guide explores every aspect of cremations in the UK, from the steps involved in an attended service to legalities and thoughtful aftercare options.

What Happens During an Attended Cremation Service?

An attended cremation service allows family and friends to gather and share memories while honouring the deceased’s life. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect:

  • Arrival at the Crematorium: Mourners may arrive before or after the coffin’s arrival at the crematorium chapel. The coffin is usually positioned on a raised platform (catafalque) that is often decorated and situated near the front of the chapel.
  • Seating: Shortly before the service begins, mourners are seated in the chapel. Attended cremation services typically last 30-45 minutes, followed by the cremation process itself, which takes place away from the service area.
  • The Service: The cremation service can be personalized to reflect the deceased’s life and values. This often includes a eulogy or tributes delivered by family or friends, hymns or music selections that held special meaning to the deceased, and readings from religious texts or poems. If you wish for a longer service to accommodate more speakers or elements, additional time can be booked with the crematorium.
  • The Committal: As the service concludes, the coffin is usually moved from view for a brief moment of reflection. This allows mourners to pay their last respects to the deceased in privacy.
  • Departure and Wake: Following the service, mourners can offer condolences to the bereaved family, view floral tributes placed in the chapel, and socialize before leaving. An optional wake can be arranged at a separate location to provide a space for celebrating the deceased’s life in a more relaxed setting. Food, drinks, and music are often included, along with displays of photographs or memorabilia to encourage reminiscing and shared memories.

The Variety Plus Package offers a cost-effective solution for cremations, including a simple service at your preferred crematorium in England or Wales.

Key Questions Answered:

  • The Difference Between Cremation and Committal: While both cremations and burials involve a ceremony, the committal refers to the specific point where the remains are laid to rest. In a cremation, the committal occurs when the coffin is moved from view after the service. In a burial, the committal happens when the coffin is lowered into the ground.
  • Required Paperwork: Several documents are essential for a cremation to proceed. These include:
    • Green Form: This form is typically obtained during death registration and is required for any funeral, whether burial or cremation. However, if a post-mortem examination is necessary, the coroner will issue a Cremation Form 6 instead, which takes the place of the Green Form specifically for cremation in these cases.
    • Cremation Application Form: Typically completed by the executor of the will or the deceased’s next of kin, this form authorises the cremation to take place.
  • Preparing the Deceased: Upon entering the care of a funeral director, the deceased is respectfully cared for. They can be dressed in a simple coffin gown or their own chosen clothing, which can be provided by the family at the time of collection. Variety Funerals™ utilise mortuary facilities to preserve the body until cremation.

Important Considerations:

  • Coffins: By law, a coffin is required for cremation. Variety Funerals™ offers light oak wood-effect coffins as part of our cremation packages, ensuring they are 100% combustible and approved by the Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers’ Association (FFMA).
  • Individual Cremations: UK law mandates that cremations are conducted individually, and the size limitations of cremation chambers reflects this law.
  • Cremation Process Length: The cremation process itself typically takes 1-3 hours, with an additional 1-2 hours required for cooling. Factors influencing the duration include the cremation temperature settings, the deceased’s size, and the material of the coffin. For more information you can read: The Cremation Process Explained: A Comprehensive Guide.
  • Code of Practice: Strict regulations govern crematoriums, and the code of practice is usually displayed publicly within the crematorium for transparency.

Unattended Direct Cremations

For a respectful farewell without the ceremony: choose Variety Solo, our affordable direct cremation option. For inspiration about celebrating the life of a loved one you can read: Celebrating Life: A Guide to Creating a Meaningful Farewell. For further information about direct unattended cremations go to: Understanding Direct Cremation: A Dignified & Affordable Farewell

Aftercare:

Receiving Ashes: Variety Funerals™ provides the cremated remains to you in an aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly container. Urns are available for purchase separately if you wish to display the ashes in a more permanent manner.

  • Ash Collection: Only the person who signed the cremation application form is authorized to collect the ashes from the crematorium.
  • Ash Possession: There’s no specific legal definition regarding who owns the cremated remains after cremation. To avoid potential family disagreements, some families designate the executor of the will or the closest relative to take possession. Open communication and prior discussions can help ease any potential conflicts.
  • Ash Options: Variety Funerals™ understands the importance of honouring your loved one’s wishes and your own personal preferences when it comes to the final resting place of the ashes. Here are some options to consider:
    • Interment: You can choose to inter the ashes in a family plot within a cemetery or a dedicated remembrance garden.
    • Burial in a Private Garden: If you have a private garden, you may choose to bury the ashes there. However, it’s advisable to use a burial container to ensure the ashes can be easily relocated if needed in the future.
    • Scattering Ashes: With the landowner’s permission, you can scatter the ashes in a meaningful location, such as a favourite beach, park, or nature reserve.
    • Cremation Ash Jewellery: A growing trend is to incorporate a portion of the cremated remains into beautiful and discreet memorial jewellery. Variety Funerals™ offers a discount on cremation ash jewellery through our Variety VIP package.

For more information you can read: Understanding and Honouring Your Loved One: A Guide to Cremation Ashes.

International Transportation:

If you wish to transport the ashes to another country, additional paperwork and fees are involved to comply with international regulations. Your chosen funeral director can guide you through this process. Please note Variety Funerals™ can only arrange delivery of ashes to a private address in England or Wales.

Planning a Cremation with Variety Funerals™

We understand that every family’s needs and preferences are unique. The best way to explore your options for a cremation service is to speak with a dedicated funeral consultant at Variety Funerals™. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, offer support, and help you plan a meaningful farewell for your loved one.

Contact Us Today:

  • Call us anytime: 0800 774 7804 (Freephone)
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