Cremation

How cremation works

Cremation reduces the body to bone fragments using intense heat in a chamber called a retort. The process typically takes a few hours. Afterward, any metal (such as surgical implants) is removed and the fragments are processed into the fine, coarse material families receive — usually called ashes or cremated remains. An adult's cremated remains commonly weigh several pounds.

Before cremation, the death certificate must be completed, a cremation permit or authorization issued, and the legally authorized family member must sign a cremation authorization. Many states require a waiting period after death, and some require a medical examiner's review. Pacemakers and some other devices must be removed beforehand; the funeral home handles this.

Types of cremation

• Direct vs. traditional cremationDirect cremation vs. cremation with a funeral service

• Direct cremation — no viewing or service beforehand; usually the lowest-cost option. A memorial can be held afterward.
• Cremation with a funeral (traditional cremation) — visitation and service with the body present, then cremation.
• Cremation followed by a memorial service — a common middle path.
• Alkaline hydrolysis ("water cremation") — a flameless process legal in some states.

Some families wish to witness the start of the cremation; many crematories can accommodate this. Ask the funeral home.

Cremation costs

Direct cremation is generally the least expensive arrangement a funeral home offers. Adding a viewing and service, an urn, and cemetery placement increases the cost. See cremation vs. burial costs and the cost calculator. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, you don't have to buy a casket for direct cremation — an alternative container must be offered.

Cremation vs. burial

Beyond cost, families weigh faith, the person's wishes, a place to visit, timing and environmental values. Our burial vs. cremation guide walks through these without choosing for you.

After cremation: what to do with the ashes

There is no deadline. Common choices include:

• Keeping ashes at homeKeeping ashes at home safely
• Scattering ashes at seaScattering ashes at sea — EPA rules
• Burying vs. scattering ashes: costsBurial, niches or scattering: what each costs
• Traveling with cremated remainsFlying, shipping and documents

Other options include burial in a family grave, a columbarium niche, a cemetery scattering garden, and dividing a small portion into keepsakes. Check local rules before scattering on land or inland waters, and get permission on private property.

Choosing an urn

Capacity matters most: a common rule of thumb is about one cubic inch per pound of healthy body weight. Also consider where the urn will go — a niche has fixed dimensions, a cemetery may require an urn vault, and scattering or water burial calls for a biodegradable urn.

• Urn Size CalculatorEstimate the capacity you need
• Choosing an urnMaterials, sizes and what to check
• Biodegradable urnsWater and earth burial urns
• Memorial keepsakesKeepsake urns, jewelry and more

Cremation memorial ideas

• A memorial service or celebration of life with the urn and photos present — plan it with the memorial service planner
• A scattering ceremony at a meaningful place
• Planting a tree, often with a biodegradable urn designed for that purpose (check local rules)
• Keepsake urns or jewelry so several family members can keep a small portion
• A bench, plaque or garden in a place the person loved

Sources and references

1. Federal Trade Commission: Shopping for Funeral Services
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Burial at Sea
3. Transportation Security Administration: Cremated Remains (What Can I Bring?)

Rules, benefit amounts and prices change. Where a source is a government agency, check it directly for current figures. See our sources and fact-checking policy.