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Understanding Cremation Services, Process, Cost & More

By: Claire Beutel • Subject Matter Expert Reviewed by: Marisa Akerman, MS, LMHCA • 6 cited sources • Updated Nov 11, 2024

Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for end-of-life arrangements. Whether you are considering cremation for yourself in the future or a loved one, understanding the process and available options is crucial to deciding whether or not cremation is the right choice. 

Key Takeaways

• Cremation has become the most popular form of handling a person’s remains
• A person or their family decides whether or not to incorporate a memorial service for the deceased either before or after the cremation takes place.
• Pet cremation can be a quick and cost-effective way to handle a beloved animal that has died. 

What is Cremation?

Cremation is the final disposition of a person’s body  – a process of reducing the body to ash using extremely high temperatures after a person has died. Bone fragments are also processed into ashes and placed in an urn or memorial box, providing families with more options when it comes to deciding how to lay a loved one to rest. Cremation has become a popular alternative to traditional burials and funerals, so much so that 42 U.S. states have cremation rates over 50%^[1]. Ultimately, the decision for cremation will depend on a person or family’s religious and cultural practices, budget, emotional needs, and with consideration of the environmental impact of the process.

What Paperwork is Required for Cremation?

When a person passes away, the family will be required to register their death. The family will receive a Certificate for Burial or Cremation (a “green form”) which is required to proceed with any cremation or burial services. It’s important to note that most cremation service providers require the executor of the will or the deceased’s nearest relative to complete the application. From there, your chosen funeral director will ensure all documentation is properly submitted to the crematorium.

How Does Cremation Work?

There are several steps involved in the cremation of a loved one, which we’ve outlined below:

1. Step 1: The deceased’s remains are given to the funeral home or cemetery where any medical devices, implants or jewelry are removed. Your loved one is kept in a climate controlled environment while paperwork and permits are completed and filed.
2. Step 2: The body is put into a container that is placed inside a cremation chamber where the temperature will reach approximately 1400°F to 1800°F (760°C to 982°C).
3. Step 3: After the cremation process is complete, a small amount of bones will remain. The bones are placed in a separate machine that will reduce the bones to ashes.
4. Step 4: The final remains are placed in a temporary container or an urn provided by the deceased’s family^[2].

How Long Does Cremation Take?

The cremation process time can vary from facility to facility, but most cremation services take around three hours to complete^[2]. 

The Different Types of Cremation

There are three different types of cremation services to consider for your loved one. While they all offer a wonderful way to memorialize the deceased, there are significant differences to take into consideration.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation, also called basic or simple cremation, is the most cost-effective option for those on a budget and it’s relatively easy to plan. With this type of cremation, there is no embalming, viewing or formal ceremony. Your loved one’s body is sent directly to the crematorium and the ashes are returned to the family within a designated time frame. If it’s important to you and your family to see your loved one’s body for closure, this may not be the best option for you. 

How Much Does Direct Cremation Cost?

Direct cremation costs average around $2,183, making it the most affordable type of cremation^[6]. It’s the most inexpensive option because you’re only responsible for the cremation fee. In a traditional burial, you’d be paying for the burial plot, embalming, casket, and headstone, among other things.

Memorial Cremation

Memorial cremation involves a funeral service or ceremony where friends and family can honor the deceased without the body being present. An urn or centerpiece holding the beloved’s ashes may be present at the service, funeral home, church, or wherever you decide to honor your loved one’s memory.

How Much Does Memorial Cremation Cost?

A memorial cremation is more expensive than a direct cremation because it involves the planning of a funeral or memorial service, which adds additional expenses.

Traditional Cremation 

A traditional cremation involves a funeral or memorial service before the body is taken to a crematorium. In this type of cremation, the body is often embalmed and placed into a casket for family and friends to say their final farewell. From there the body is transferred to the crematorium to be cremated and the ashes are placed in an urn or memorial box to be given to the family.

Albeit the most costly form of cremation, many people desire viewing their loved ones’ bodies before the cremation process. This ritual can provide several benefits for friends and family, including closure, final goodbyes, honoring the loved one, memory and reflection, and confirmation of death (denial being a common stage of grief).

Marisa Akerman, MS, LMHCA

How Much Does Traditional Cremation Cost? 

Traditional cremation is the most expensive option because you will be financially responsible for the funeral or memorial service, embalming, casket, and cremation. With these additional fees in mind, traditional creation and remembrance can cost up to $4,000^[4]. 

Alternative Cremation Methods

While exposing the deceased’s remains to extremely high temperatures is the most common method of cremation, there are some alternatives to consider as well. Let’s take a look at some different cremation methods below:

• Alkaline Hydrolysis (Resomation): This cremation method uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to accelerate the body’s natural decomposition. Some people prefer this method because it is more environmentally friendly and uses less fuel than traditional cremation. 
• Promession: This method is a body-disposition process that uses freeze-drying technology to reduce the body to a powder. 

What is Pet Cremation?

Pet cremation is also common among pet owners as a way to remember the furry friends we’ve lost. Similar to human cremation, pet cremation involves the deceased animal’s body being exposed to extreme heat and reduced to ashes. The pet cremation process is relatively short, lasting about 30-45 minutes for small and medium-sized animals^[5].

Pet cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for pet owners. Alternatively, some people may choose to bury their pets on their private property, however there are varying guidelines and regulations one must follow in order to do this legally. A potential downfall to this method, unfortunately, can result in the separation of that memorial space if one was to sell their property and move. With pet cremation, our beloved pet can forever be with us, regardless of location. This can provide many with a sense of connection, closure, and comfort, resulting in improved emotional well-being.

Marisa Akerman, MS, LMHCA

How Much Does Pet Cremation Cost?

The average cost of pet cremation ranged from $50-$150. The price will depend on the type of cremation you choose and your pet’s weight^[5].

Finding the Right Cremation Service to Memorialize a Loved One

Choosing the right cremation service for yourself or a loved one is a momentous, deeply personal decision. By understanding the different types of cremation—traditional, memorial, and direct—and weighing those against available burial options, you can make an informed choice that honors your loved one’s memory and aligns with your family’s needs and preferences. By taking the time to understand and consider these options, you can ensure that your final farewell is as respectful, meaningful, and fitting as possible.

Written by Claire Beutel

My name is Claire Beutel, and I bring over a decade of experience in digital marketing. I specialize in crafting and executing SEO strategies that deliver measurable organic results for businesses of all sizes. Beyond my technical expertise, I am deeply passionate about supporting mental health and wellness causes—a mission close to my heart shaped by my lifelong battle with depression. When Kevin approached me about creating a resource to help individuals navigate the overwhelming challenges of major life decisions, I immediately recognized it as a perfect opportunity. It was a chance to use my skills to truly make a difference in people's lives by providing guidance and support during some of their most difficult moments. I feel privileged to be involved in such a meaningful cause.

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Subject Matter Expert Marisa Akerman, MS, LMHCA

Marisa Akerman holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Purdue University, Fort Wayne. With over 10 years of experience in clinical settings, Marisa specializes in supporting clients dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, gender and sexual identity issues, and other mental health conditions.