CREMATION

Although earth burial continues to be the most common disposition of human remains, cremation is becoming more common. During cremation the body is placed in a casket or container which is then placed in a cremation chamber.

After a period of approximately three hours at a temperature between 1500 and 2000 degrees, all organic materials are consumed by either heat or evaporation.

At completion only a residue of ash and bone fragments remains. This residue is processed into fine particles and placed either in a container provided by the crematorium or an urn purchased by the family.

Because cremations obliterate any evidence of the cause of death, some states impose a minimum waiting period following death before a cremation may take place. During this “waiting period” the body must to be preserved by embalming or refrigeration.

Cremation services may be purchased directly from a crematorium (which may or may not have additional facilities on site to conduct a funeral or memorial service) or may be arranged through a funeral home or mortuary.

Following cremation there are several options for disposal of the cremains including burial, placement in a columbarium, retention by a family member or scattering of the cremains in a place of significance (subject to state and local law restrictions). Earth burial of a box or urn in a cemetery is another option. Many cemeteries will allow burial of an urn above a casketed spouse or parent in a single grave as a way of preserving space.

CASKETS, URNS, VAULTS AND GRAVE LINERS

A casket is the single most costly item in a traditional funeral and accounts for a large percentage of funeral costs. Prior to the passage of rules protecting consumers funeral homes used to wrap the costs of a funeral around the price of a casket marking them up several hundred percent to cover other costs. Since 1982, all aspects of the funeral must be priced separately.

Caskets are available in a wide variety of materials (wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, even cardboard) and styles. The one you choose depends on your budget and the importance you place on such things. Caskets are widely available from cemeteries, independent dealers and on the Internet. Although not required, as a matter of convenience most families purchase the casket from the funeral home provider.

Urns (used to hold cremains) come in a wide variety of prices and styles. Prices vary from about $50 for a simple plastic box to $7000 or more. The more expensive urns are priced according to the materials used and the artistry involved in their creation. Urns may be made from wood, metal, glass or pottery. In general, if the cremains are to be buried you will be required to have at least a sheet metal or copper box.

Burial vaults and grave liners are outside containers into which a casket is placed when it is buried, ostensibly to protect the casket. A grave liner is similar to a vault, but of lighter construction. Like caskets, they can be made from a variety of materials including concrete, steel, copper and fiberglass. The difference in materials is reflected in the price.

Burial vaults and grave liners are outside containers into which a casket is placed when it is buried, ostensibly to protect the casket. A grave liner is similar to a vault, but of lighter construction. Like caskets, they can be made from a variety of materials including concrete, steel, copper and fiberglass. The difference in materials is reflected in the price.

Though most areas of the country have no laws requiring the use of vaults or grave liners, most cemeteries require their use in order to keep the ground from sinking or collapsing over the grave.