Cremation Urns, Funeral Urns and Urns

Can I bring the urn that I bought from another supplier to the funeral home?

It is against the law for the funeral home to charge you a handling fee or refuse to accept any funeral merchandise purchased through a third party supplier.

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Is it safe to enter my credit card and personal data online?

We partner with Paypal, a subsidiary of eBay Inc., to accept payment. Paypal has the most advanced encryption technology to protect your credit card and personal information. Your credit card information stays only at Paypal. We will be notified when your payment is cleared and your shipping information will be provided to us from Paypal.

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What is cremation?

Cremation is an alternative to earth burial or entombment for the body's final disposition. It is a process of reduction of the body to ashes by fire. The body is cremated shortly after death, without embalming. The cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container. No viewing or visitation is involved, although a memorial service may be held, with or without the cremated remains present. The remains can be kept in the home, buried or placed in a crypt or niche in a cemetery, or buried or scattered in a favorite spot. Direct cremation usually costs less than the traditional, full-service funeral. Costs include the funeral home's basic service fees, as well as the transportation and care of the body. Crematory fees may be included or, if the funeral home does not own the crematory, the fee may be added on. There also will be a charge for a cremation urn or other container. The cost of a cemetery plot or crypt is included only if the remains are buried or entombed. Funeral providers who offer direct cremations also must offer to provide an alternative container that can be used in place of a burial casket.

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What is your right if you choose cremation?

Many families that opt to have their loved ones cremated rent a casket from the funeral home for the visitation and funeral, eliminating the cost of purchasing a casket. If you opt for visitation and cremation, ask about the rental option. For those who choose a direct cremation without a viewing or other ceremony where the body is present, the funeral provider must offer an inexpensive unfinished wood box or alternative container, a non-metal enclosure pressboard, cardboard or canvas that is cremated along with the body.

Under the Funeral Rule, funeral directors who offer direct cremations:

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What is an urn?

An urn is a container to hold cremated remains. It can be placed in a columbarium or mausoleum, or buried in the ground. Can I bring urns for travel by air? As long as the container can pass the x-ray checkpoint without generating an opaque image. Thus, a metal urn is not allowed through the checkpoint. Your option is to undergo testing for explosive devices and transport it as baggage. Please remember to attach the permit given to you from the crematory to the bottom of the cremation urn.

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How to select an urn?

Cremation Urns is a special type of product that normally people don't buy regularly. There are a few things that you should take into consideration:

Size. If you plan to place the cremation urn in the niche, you need to know if the urn can fit in. We will provide you the height, width, and length of our products.

Capacity. A standard urn's capacity is at least 202 cubic inches. If the deceased was of a larger size, you need to take extra caution when shopping. A rule of thumb is 1 lb = 1 c.i.

Material. The material of the urns usually has an emotional effect. There are many materials available such as marble, bronze, brass, glass, and wood to name a few, that make urns very elegant. If you plan to bury the urn, you have to keep in mind that wooden urns will break apart in about 5-10 years. If your desire is to keep the cremation urn of your loved one at home or in the columbarium, all the materials will provide what you are looking for a very long time.

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Do you have engraving service?

Yes, we do but not all cremation urns tyes can be engraved. For others we can provide a plaque suitable for engraving ($4.50), with an adhesive back. Upon receipt this gold colored anodized aluminum plaque (2 1/2" x 1") it can be engraved locally.

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How do I transfer ashes into an urn?

The cremated remains are usually contained in a plastic bag that is in a temporary container. The ashes can be transferred directly into the urn or a bag suitable for the urn.

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How to open and close an urn?

Many urns open from the bottom with screws and some metal urns have threaded lids. Most cremation urns can be permanently sealed with epoxy.

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What is a keepsake urn?

Keepsake urns are not full size urns. They are designed for families wishing to memorialize scattering or to keep a portion of the cremated remains as a memento, or to give a small amount of the remains to someone.

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What happens during the cremation process?

The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. After approximately, 2 to 2 1/2 hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. The residue which is left is bone fragments, known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are then carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are then processed into finer particles and are placed within the container provided by the crematorium or placed in an urn that was purchased by the family. The entire process takes approximately three hours. Throughout the cremation process, a carefully controlled labeling system ensures correct identification.

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How hot does the cremator get?

Although there are several manufacturers of cremation units, the optimum temperature range is 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

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How long does it take to cremate a body?

Cremating at the optimum temperature (1400 - 1800 degrees), the average weighted remains takes 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Several more hours may be required before the cremated remains are available to the family.

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Are cremations done individually?

Yes. Laws require that only one casket or container is cremated at a time.

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Is the body exposed to an open flame during the cremation process?

Yes, the body is exposed to direct heat and flame. Cremation is performed by placing the deceased in a casket or other container and then placing the casket or container into a cremation chamber or retort, where they are subjected to intense heat and flame.

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When after death can a cremation take place?

Because cremation is an irreversible process and because the process itself will eliminate any ability to determine exact cause of death, many states require that each cremation be authorized by the coroner or medical examiner. Some states have specific minimum time limits that must elapse before cremation may take place. Your local funeral service provider can advise you of applicable regulations, if any.

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Is any other preparation required prior to cremation?

It is essential that pacemakers and other medical devices be removed prior to cremation. They may explode when subjected to high temperature, which can be hazardous to crematorium staff and equipment. In addition, any special mementos, such as jewelry, will be destroyed during the cremation process. Anything you wish to keep should be removed by the funeral director before the casket or container is transferred to the crematorium.

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Is it true that the bones are crushed after cremation? I've heard you don't get ashes back -- what do you get?

A complete cremation is a two-step process. Firstly, the actual exposure of the deceased to several hours of intense heat and flame; after which the remains are mostly ash except for certain bone fragments, then the entire remaining ash and fragment volume is gathered and run through a processor, creating a uniform powder-like texture.

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Why is refrigeration of the remains necessary?

Due to the irreversible nature of cremation, most states require a waiting period before the actual process may begin. Refrigeration is the only alternative available, other than embalming, that will retard tissue decomposition. Refrigeration is a necessity that protects family and friends, the crematory operator and the general public from potential health hazards.

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Is embalming necessary for cremation?

No. It is your choice. It may depend on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body with an open casket, or to enhance the deceased's appearance for a private family viewing; if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.

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Is a casket required?

No. For sanitary reasons, ease of placement and dignity, many cremations require that the deceased be cremated in a combustible, leak proof, rigid, covered container. This does not need to be a casket as such. What is required is an enclosed, rigid, container made of wood or other combustible material to allow for the dignified handling of human remains. The type of casket or container selected is really a personal decision, Caskets and containers are available in a wide variety of materials ranging from simple cardboard containers to beautifully handcrafted oak, maple or mahogany caskets.

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Are there special cremation caskets?

There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a plain cardboard container to a hardwood casket.

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Can a casket be rented instead of purchased when choosing cremation?

Many funeral homes offer a hardwood ceremonial casket for viewing or funeral services prior to cremation. The ceremonial (or rental) casket is specifically designed to provide a very aesthetically pleasing, affordable and environmentally prudent alternative to purchasing a casket for a cremation service.

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Can I bring my own urn?

Yes - It would be advisable that you discuss this situation with your cremation provider prior to the cremation. The size of your urn will be of great importance if you plan to have your loved one's entire cremated body included in this container.

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Can I watch the cremation?

Arrangements can usually be made through the Cremation Authorization Form for relatives or representatives of the deceased to witness the cremation.

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Do all funeral homes and cemeteries have a crematory?

No - actually only a small percentage of cremation service providers have their own cremation units.

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Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?

No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition.

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Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I chose cremation?

It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home or in a crematorium chapel.

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Can we have the service before or after the cremation?

It's completely a matter of family preference. Many times when a family is split regarding the decision to cremate, a compromise may be achieved by having a traditional service first - to be followed by cremation.

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What can be done with the cremated remains?

With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a family member, usually in an urn, scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased. (It would always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place.) Cremation is just one step in the commemorative process-- the preparation of the human remains for memorialization. Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision. The limit is set only by your imagination.

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Can I scatter the remains on private property?

Yes, with permission of the owner.

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What is memorialization for a cremation?

You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Also available at many cemeteries are cremation niches in columbarium's. They offer the beauty of a mausoleum setting with the benefits of above ground placement of remains. Many cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery offers the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come and reflect.

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What is a columbarium?

A columbarium, often located within a mausoleum or chapel, sometimes free-standing, either indoor or outdoor, is constructed of numerous small compartments (niches) designed to hold urns containing cremated remains.

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If I'm going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be placed in a columbarium, or interred or scattered at the cemetery? Why shouldn't I just have them scattered in the sea or in some other place of my choosing?

As long as it is permitted by local regulations, your families cremated remains can be scattered in a place that is meaningful to you. This can, however, present difficulties for your survivors. Some people may find it hard to simply pour the mortal remains of a loved one out onto the ground or into the sea. If you wish to be scattered somewhere, it is therefore important to discuss your wishes ahead of time with the person or persons who will actually have to do the scattering. Another difficulty with scattering can occur when the remains are disposed of in an anonymous, unmarked or public place. Access to the area may be restricted for some reason in the future, undeveloped land may be developed, or some other conditions may arise that could make it very difficult for your survivors to visit the site to remember you. Even if your cremated remains are scattered in your backyard, what happens if your survivors relocate in the future? Once scattered, cremated remains cannot easily be collected back up. Having your cremains placed, interred or scattered within a cemetery's grounds ensures that your future generations will have a place to go to remember. If remains are scattered somewhere outside the cemetery, many cemeteries today will allow you to place a memorial of some type on the cemetery grounds, so survivors have a place to visit that will always be maintained and preserved.

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Why is having a place to visit so important?

Because it provides a focal point for memorializing the deceased. To remember, and be remembered, are natural human needs. Throughout human history, memorialization of the dead has been a key component of almost every culture. The Washington Monument, Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the Vietnam "Wall" in Washington, D.C. are examples of memorialization which demonstrate that, throughout our history, we have always honored our dead. Psychologists say that remembrance practices, from the funeral or memorial service to permanent memorialization, serve an important emotional function for survivors by helping us to bring closure and allowing the healing process to begin. Providing a permanent resting place for the deceased is a dignified treatment for a loved one's mortal remains, which fulfills the natural human desire for memorialization.

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If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?

Yes - Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of your casketed spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremains to be interred in a single grave space.

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Can I take the cremated remains home?

Yes. The cremains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select a cremation urn that is suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf. Urns are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

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How big of a price difference is there with cremation compared to standard ground burial?

The cost depends on the type of permanent memorial, location of the memorial, urn and placement selected.

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Do all religions permit cremation?

Some religions prefer cremation; some do not recommend the practice; most permit you to choose. Should you have any questions or concerns, we suggest you speak with a member of your clergy, or talk with on of our prearrangement counselors.

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FAQ's

The death of a pet is more than likely to be as traumatic to your family as losing a loved one. Pets are very important members of the family therefore, end of life decisions you make are likely to be the last thoughtful thing you do for your pet. This section is designed to guide you through the most frequently asked questions about choosing cremation for your pet.

Q: Is Pet Cremation Increasing in Popularity?

A: Yes. Cremation has been increasing in popularity and acceptability in the pet funeral business. It only stands to reason that more people will choose it for their pets as well. Cremation is simple, clean and affordable.

Q: How is cremation accomplished?

A: A pet's body is placed in the cremation chamber where through heat and evaporation, the body is reduced to its basic elements, which then are referred to as "cremated remains." It may surprise many to learn that ashes are not the final result since "cremated remains" have neither the appearance nor the chemical properties of ashes - they are, in fact, bone fragments. Since the term "cremains" is little used by the public, most people refer to the "cremated remains" as "ashes." Following preparation, the ashes are placed in a permanent pet urn or in a temporary container, suitable for transport.

Q: Can my veterinarian help me with cremation for my pet?

A: Yes. Your veterinarian has been a trusted partner to you and your pet in matters of healthcare, so it would only makes sense to ask their advice about death care or cremation. There are often multiple pet cremation providers in a market place. You, along with the help of your veterinarian, should choose the one that is just right for you. The decision however, is yours. Ask a lot of questions, do your homework.

Q: What if my pet dies at home or when my veterinarian is closed?

A: Most pet crematories claim to have a 24-hour service. It is recommended that you call, after hours, to check services, prices and professionalism of the staff, in advance of when you need them. Be sure to ask about additional fees for services, outside of business hours.

Q: Can I visit the pet crematories in the area?

A: Yes, in fact, we recommend it. While the crematory scandal did not impact the pet industry, it did shine a brilliant light on what could have happened if an innocent party, partners with the wrong cremation provider. As a pet owner, it is wise and you should visit the crematories in the area to learn what is offered, inspect the the facilities and equipment. The cremation equipment should not be outside. Ask about the age of the retort and if they have other operations outside the city. Is the staff professional, kind and forthcoming with information?

Visiting the facilities will also give you peace of mind after the fact. Remember, if you are not allowed or cannot inspect the entire operation, you probably should consider whether you want to trust your pet to them.

Q: Is there more than one type of cremation and what type is right for me and my pet?

A: There are two different types of pet cremation: community cremation and private cremation. A common question to determine which is right for your pet is to ask yourself, "Do I want my pet's ashes back?"

Community cremation: your pet is placed in the cremation chamber with other pets to a maximum weight limit. With community cremation, it is impossible to receive the cremated remains of your pet back without them being mixed with those of other pets. Community cremation is often less expensive and may be used for final disposal.

Private cremation: is where your pet is placed alone in the cremation chamber. Private cremation ensures the integrity and dignity of the cremation of your pet.

Q: How do I know those are my pet's ashes?

A: Some pet crematories provide a certificate of authenticity, some provide nothing at all. Since those authenticating the certificate are usually the owners/operators of the crematories, one could question the validity since pet owners or veterinarians are rarely present for the cremation. A certificate is not necessarily proof.

Q: How much does cremation cost?

A: Pricing information can be obtained through your veterinarian. If you speak with your veterinarian, be sure to ask which crematory facility is used and if they will provide a choice of crematories. Since it is your pet, the choice belongs to you. Ask them lots of questions.

Cremation prices vary, depending on products and services selected.

Q: Is an urn required and where do I get one?

A: A pet urn is not required. The ashes are usually returned in a temporary container, provided by the crematory. Most people who choose a private cremation however, also choose a permanent container or urn, reflective of memories of their pet.

Here at Funeral Pet Services.com, we maintain an extensive urn inventory.

Q: Does crematory ownership matter?

A: Yes. The education, understanding of cremation integrity, a love for pets in life and death and open-door policy, speak to the integrity of a business and how it is run. We love our pets, just like you do and for that reason, we are her to serve you and give you that peace of mind.