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Cremation is the process that reduces dead human remains to 3-7 pounds of organic and inorganic compounds and it accomplishes this by exposing the body to intense heat and flame for a 2½ - 3 hour duration, at temperatures of approximately 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. After the cremation, the cremated remains are mechanically processed until they have the consistency of very course sand or gravel.

The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of a funeral director: 

•     Removal and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home
•     Professional care of the deceased, including embalming, casketing, and cosmetology
•     Consulting with family to make arrangements for the funeral service
•     Filing certificates, permits, and other required forms
•     Obtaining copies of the death certificate
•     Arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other places of final disposition
•     Creates and publishes the obituary
•     Arrangements for clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and special fraternal or military services
•     Directs and manages the funeral service and the funeral procession
•     Assists the family with death-related claims, including Social Security, VA insurance, grief counseling

A direct cremation is just that...a direct cremation. There are no services with the body present prior to the cremation, the body is not prepared in any way, and an alternative container is used instead of a casket.

If you arrange a direct cremation service, no, a casket is not required. Most states require a container, referred to as an alternative container, which is used to transport the body prior to cremation. The alternative container is placed into the retort and cremated, along with the body.

No, embalming is not required for direct cremation unless under very unique circumstances.

Generally speaking, no; however, if the cremated remains are being placed in a glass-front niche in a cemetery columbarium, the cemetery may have specific guidelines about the type of urn that must be used. Also, some cemeteries require that cremated remains be placed in an engraved urn before they will permit them to be buried on their grounds.

Select Cremation will handle all of the details. Simply enter all of her information on our online form, select a package of services and merchandise, and we will do the rest. Click Here to Get Started

The professional fee a cremation provider ultimately charges you for a direct cremation service (or any service for that matter) is directly related to the firm's overhead expenses. A large firm with a large staff will generally charge more for their services than a smaller operator. When a death occurs, always inquire about prices from 2-3 providers. As with any purchase, never let price alone be the deciding factor in your decision.

Usually the immediate next-of-kin (a spouse for example) will make the necessary arrangements and pay for the services. If the spouse is deceased, then the children would step forward. In some jurisdictions, a cousin or even a friend can make cremation and final disposition arrangements. Check with your licensed cremation provider for the proper (and legal) answers to this question.

Funeral and cremation providers MUST QUOTE their prices over the telephone and in person to fully comply with the Funeral Rule established and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. Additionally, before discussing funeral/cremation products and/or services, a provider must make a printed General Price List available for your review and your retention. A laminated General Price List that is quickly handed to you and retrieved after the arrangement violates the Funeral Rule and the funeral/cremation provider is subject to a $10,000.00 penalty for non-compliance. Click here to view our prices and pre plan online

Always check local laws or ordinances before attempting to scatter cremated remains anywhere other than your backyard.

Certainly. Our website provides helpful information to assist you in planning all aspects of a unique tribute.