Cremation is a process that uses intense heat to reduce a person’s remains to ashes. It is a common alternative to burial and can be personalised to reflect your wishes and those of your loved ones.
What is a cremation service?
A cremation service is a ceremony where loved ones gather to honour the deceased before the cremation takes place. These services can be religious or non-religious and may be held at:
a crematorium chapel
a church or other place of worship
a different venue entirely, followed by a separate committal at the crematorium.
At the crematorium, the coffin is received for cremation, often following a short farewell known as a committal service.
There are two main types of cremation:
Traditional cremation with a service: Includes a ceremony with family and friends before the cremation takes place.
Direct cremation: No service or guests are involved. The cremation happens without a service or ceremony, and ashes are returned to the next of kin afterwards.
Planning a cremation ceremony
Cremation services are often shorter than burial ceremonies, as the cremation itself is not usually attended by guests, only the ceremony or service that takes place before the committal. However, there is still time to include meaningful elements in the service such as:
personal eulogies
live or recorded music
readings or prayers
photo or video tributes.
What to consider when choosing a venue
Not all service venues have an on-site crematorium.
Ensure you consider transportation arrangements if the ceremony and cremation take place in different locations.
Check whether your chosen venue supports your service preferences (e.g. religious, secular, or themed).
What happens during a cremation committal?
A cremation committal is a brief ceremony that usually takes place at the crematorium just before the cremation. During this time:
the coffin is placed in view during the service
at the end of the ceremony, curtains may be drawn around the coffin as a symbolic gesture of farewell
alternatively, the coffin may remain visible for the duration of the ceremony, depending on your preferences.
This moment offers loved ones a final opportunity to say goodbye in a quiet and respectful setting.
Required documentation for cremation
Someone aged over 16 – usually the nearest relative or executor of the will – must apply to cremate a loved one. In most cases, this will be by filling out the Ministry of Justice’s Cremation application form for authorisation to cremate the remains, but may require other documentation (such as the Application form for the cremation of a stillborn baby). The relevant forms can be easily downloaded from your local council’s website. Other legal applications are handled by the coroner and medical practitioners.