Perhaps you’re confused about who can authorize a cremation, or need to know more about “direct” cremation. If you’ve got questions about the cremation process, or any one of our cremation services, we invite to start with this list of commonly-heard questions. Chances are very good the answer you need is right here.
But, if not, chances are also very good you already know the next step: call us at (313) 982-1000. We’ll take all the time you need to fully answer your question, proving this simple truth: we are the leading cremation provider in our area because we provide families with the cremation services–and the answers–they’re looking for.
| What is cremation? |
| 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 about 1 and a half or 2 hour duration, at temperatures of approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. After the cremation, the cremated remains are mechanically processed until they have the consistency of very course sand or gravel. |
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| What is direct cremation? |
| 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. |
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| Is a casket required for a cremation service? |
| If you are arranging a traditional service with public visiting and perhaps a religious service in a church, then you generally must purchase a casket that is made from combustible materials. Rental caskets are also available for funeral purposes and afterwards the body is transferred to an alternative container. |
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| Is a casket required for a direct cremation service? |
| If you arrange a direct cremation service, no, a casket is not required. However, the cremation provider will provide an alternative container, constructed of cardboard, plywood, or composite wood materials. All alternative containers must be the construction requirements of the crematory. |
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| Is embalming required for a direct cremation service? |
| No, embalming is not required for direct cremation. |
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| Do I have to buy an urn for the ashes? |
| The cremated remains will be returned to you in a plastic box, with a hinged lid. It’s suitable for storage, but it’s not very attractive. So, if the cremated remains are being kept at home in a place of honor, or placed in a glass-front niche in a cemetery columbarium, you may wish to select a more appropriate, visually-pleasing urn. |
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| Can I ship my father’s urn and ashes to a family member, overnight via FedEx? |
| Unfortunately, FedEx, UPS and DHL will not knowingly transport human cremated remains simply because they're uninsurable. Only the post office will transport cremated remains via their parcel post service. |
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| How much should I pay for a direct cremation service? |
| 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. When a death occurs, we always tell people to inquire about prices from 2-3 providers. But, as with any purchase, you should never let price alone be the deciding factor in your decision. For more information on price-shopping, click here. To learn the questions you should ask a prospective cremation provider, click here. |
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| Can I have a viewing and a cremation? |
| Without a doubt! We offer families an opportunity to spend some final time with their loved one, prior to the cremation. You may also ask about a “witness cremation”, where you can view the early stages of the process. |
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| Who can authorize a cremation? |
| 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. If you are unsure about who should make the arrangements, contact us. |
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| Will a funeral home quote prices over the telephone? |
| The short answer is “yes”. In fact, U.S. funeral and cremation providers simply must quote their prices over the phone, in order 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. |
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| I want to donate my body to science. Is this the least expensive option way to dispose of my body after death? |
| While the quick answer to this question could be “yes”, you still want to be confident that your intentions will be carried out. Sometimes, depending on the cause of death, or the varying needs of the research facility, a donation will be declined – leaving the family in a quandary. So, always have a “back-up plan” in place. And, it is recommended that before you sign any donor forms, you check two things: 1) What will your body be used for? and 2) After your body has been used by the institution, will they handle the cremation and disposal of your cremated remains or will they contact your family for them to make those arrangements? |
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| Can I scatter the cremated remains of my sister in a public park? |
Many people think they can scatter the cremated remains of a loved one anywhere they want. But, there are regulations which need to be followed – and every state, city, county or provincial government is different. So, it’s smart to check local laws or ordinances before attempting to scatter cremated remains anywhere.
Some crematories provide scattering gardens within their dedicated property, often with the option of personal memorials. The use of dedicated property assures the site chosen will not be developed for some other use at some future time.
For some folks, scattering the remains of a loved one can be a traumatic experience. We suggest you soften that for everyone by having some small ceremony prior to the scattering. |
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| Why are more people choosing cremation over burial? |
| In this economy, the number one reason people in the U.S. or Canada choose cremation over burial or above-ground entombment is most probably based on finances. Yet, for many people, the simplicity of the cremation process is appealing. For others, it’s a matter of religious preferences. |
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| What choices for memorialization are available with cremation? |
| Your family may choose from a full selection of beautiful, personalized urns for permanent containment of the cremated remains. The urn may then be placed in a columbarium or in-ground in a family lot. In many cemeteries, there are also areas specifically designed for this purpose, which are called urn gardens. |
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| Is a funeral director necessary with cremation? |
| The short answer is “sometimes”. It’s really a matter of government regulation, which may require a licensed person to transport a body and to obtain the necessary permits. Funeral directors are among those so licensed and are the only ones permitted to do so in some jurisdictions. Please call us to learn more. |
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| Is embalming necessary with cremation? |
| No. But, possible legal regulations and religious beliefs might make embalming prior to cremation either appropriate or necessary. Check with us to learn more regarding your specific situation. |
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