Cremation is a method of final disposition that uses high heat to reduce the decedent to bone fragments. These fragments are then processed into a fine, sand-like material called cremated remains.

Over 60% of Americans now choose cremation. By 2030, that number will reach 80%.

Cremation costs less than traditional burial. It offers families flexibility in how they memorialize their loved one. You can scatter remains in meaningful locations, keep them at home, or bury them in a cemetery.

Understanding more about what cremation is going to involve helps you make informed decisions about your own arrangements or those of someone you care about.

Are you considering prepaid cremation and need to talk to someone? The team at After is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427 or explore plans online.

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How Does Cremation Work?

Cremation works by following a regulated process with strict identification protocols. Every step maintains dignity and ensures accuracy. From the moment arrangements begin to the return of cremated remains. Licensed professionals handle everything with care and respect: 

• Transportation happens first: Once a passing is pronounced, the cremation provider transports the person to their facility. This usually occurs within hours.
• Secure storage follows transportation: The individual is placed in climate-controlled storage while the staff finalize paperwork. Cremation typically happens around 48 hours after passing.
• The staff confirms identity at every step: They assign a unique metal ID that stays with the person throughout the entire process. This ensures you receive the correct remains.
• The cremation takes 2-4 hours: The cremation container goes inside a chamber that reaches 1,400-1,800°F. The intense heat reduces everything to bone fragments.
• Processing creates the final remains: After cooling, staff remove any metal (surgical implants, dental work). They process the bone carefully into fine cremated remains.
• Return to family happens within days: Most families receive the remains within 7-10 days of the initial arrangements, depending on the facility's policies.

Learn more details in our complete guide on how the cremation process works.

What Are the Main Types of Cremation?

There are many types of cremation. The type you choose depends on your budget, timeline, and whether you want to include traditional services. Each option offers different levels of formality and cost, but all result in the same respectful care and handling of your loved one.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is cremation without a funeral service beforehand. No viewing or visitation occurs. The person is cremated shortly after authorization. This option gives you complete flexibility. You can hold a memorial service later on your timeline, in a location that matters to you.

Direct cremation costs significantly less because it eliminates embalming, caskets, and facility fees. After specializes in direct cremation with transparent pricing starting at $995.

Cremation With Memorial Service

A memorial service happens after cremation. The urn is present during the gathering. Families choose venues that reflect their loved one's personality, from churches to parks to private homes. 

This approach combines the affordability of cremation with the closure of a memorial gathering.

Cremation With Traditional Funeral

Traditional funeral services happen before cremation. This includes viewing, visitation, and a formal ceremony. The decedent is present in a casket. This option requires embalming (in most cases) and a combustible casket. 

What Happens During the Actual Cremation?

During the actual cremation, the staff uses controlled heat inside a specialized chamber. Modern equipment keeps the process safe, clean, and respectful. Licensed professionals oversee every step to uphold the highest standards of care.

Here’s what takes place:

• Staff place the decedent in a cremation container that’s rigid, enclosed, leak-resistant, and fully combustible. Families can choose anything from a simple cardboard container to a wooden casket. Metal caskets don’t qualify for cremation.
• Operators guide the container into the cremation chamber. These automated, computerized chambers run on natural gas or propane and feature fire-resistant bricks that can handle temperatures up to 2,000°F.
• The chamber runs through two stages of combustion. In the primary stage, heat breaks down tissue and organic material into gases.
• In the secondary stage, the system continues to process the remaining inorganic particles. The resulting gases (mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor) exit through a filtration system.
• Once the process ends, only bone fragments remain. Staff carefully sweep or vacuum the chamber to collect all fragments and verify identification with the metal ID tag.
• A processor then refines the fragments into fine cremated remains, reducing them to less than 1/8 inch in size. The result is the soft, sand-like texture most people recognize as cremated remains.
• Finally, staff seal the cremated remains in a plastic bag and place them in the chosen urn or temporary container, along with the metal ID tag for final verification.

Items that Cannot Be Cremated

Families often want to know what personal items can stay with the person during cremation. While the goal is always to honor your wishes, safety considerations sometimes require that we remove certain items. 

Your cremation provider will guide you through these decisions with sensitivity and understanding.

The staff typically remove personal items before cremation. They return jewelry, watches, and other valuables to the family. Some families request they include meaningful items with their loved one. Crematories evaluate these requests case-by-case for safety reasons.

The staff must remove medical devices. Pacemakers, insulin pumps, and other battery-operated devices can be dangerous under extreme heat. Surgical implants like hip replacements can remain. They're separated from the bone fragments after cremation and recycled.

Most crematories allow you to dress your loved one in natural-fiber clothing for cremation. Synthetic materials may produce harmful fumes and aren't permitted.

What Are Cremated Remains Made Of?

Cremated remains are mostly calcium phosphate. This mineral comes from bone, along with trace amounts of other minerals like potassium and sodium. The remains you receive are clean, sterile, and safe to handle and store.

The remains are typically white to gray in color. The final weight ranges from 3-9 pounds for adults, depending on bone structure and density. The staff separate any metal fragments before processing.

These may include surgical screws, dental fillings, or casket hardware. Most facilities recycle this metal through specialized programs.

How Long Does the Cremation Process Take?

The actual cremation process takes 2-3 hours. However, the complete timeline from passing to receiving the cremated remains takes longer.

Understanding the full timeline helps you plan memorial gatherings and make other arrangements with confidence.

Here's what affects the timeline:

• Paperwork processing takes 1-3 business days. The legal next of kin must sign the cremation authorization form.
• Cremation permits vary by location. Some states issue permits within 24 hours. Others take 3-5 business days. The medical examiner or coroner must sign off before cremation can occur.
• Facility policies affect turnaround time. Most crematories return remains to families within 7-10 days of the initial arrangements. Some facilities move faster, while others take longer based on their workload.

When you plan cremation with After, your Care Specialist will walk you through the expected timeline for your specific location.

What Can You Do With Cremated Remains?

You can do several different things with cremated remains to honor their memory. One of cremation's greatest gifts is flexibility. 

Unlike burial, which requires a specific plot of land, cremated remains can go wherever feels most meaningful to you and your family. Many people find comfort in choosing a resting place that truly reflects their loved one's spirit and personality.

Here are some of the most common options that we see families choosing:

• Keep the urn at home in a place of honor.
• Scatter remains in a meaningful location. (Check local regulations first. Some areas restrict scattering).
• Bury the urn in a family plot, cemetery, or on private property with permission.
• Divide remains among family members using smaller keepsake urns.
• Create memorial jewelry that incorporates a small portion of remains.
• Place in a columbarium at a cemetery or memorial garden.
• Convert to memorial art, such as glass sculptures or reef balls.

After includes a simple scattering urn with every package. You can also browse additional urn options.

How Do You Know You're Getting the Correct Remains?

You’ll know you’re getting the correct remains because the facility assigns a unique cremation number or ID that is usually stamped on a stainless steel disc. This disc stays with the person from storage through cremation to final return.

Licensed crematories follow strict protocols to ensure complete accuracy. Every facility takes this responsibility seriously because they understand the trust that families place in them.

According to the Cremation Association of North America, these are the identification checkpoints:

1. Removal from the place of passing
2. Transport to the crematory
3. Placement in storage
4. Placement in the cremation chamber
5. Removal from the chamber
6. Processing
7. Placement in the urn
8. Return to the authorized agent

Staff document each checkpoint, and verify identification using both paperwork and the metal disc.

How to Plan Cremation in Advance

Preplanning is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your family. When you make these decisions ahead of time, your loved ones won't have to guess what you wanted or make difficult choices while grieving. You'll also lock in today's prices and spare them unexpected expenses.

Here's how to preplan with After:

1. Visit After's prearrange page to explore packages.
2. Select the package that fits your needs and budget.
3. Complete the required paperwork online.
4. Choose whether to prepay or set up payment for later.
5. Receive confirmation and peace of mind.

You don’t need to make a payment until the time of passing unless you choose to prepay. When you prepay cremation, you protect your family from future price increases. Cremation costs have risen 3-5% annually over the past decade. If you lock in today's rates, it can save hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Plan an Affordable Cremation with After

It always helps to understand what a cremation is and how it works so that you can make confident decisions for yourself or someone you care about.

Whether you're drawn to cremation for its affordability, flexibility, or simplicity, you now have the information you need to move forward. We specialize in affordable, high-quality cremation services with no hidden fees, just honest pricing and caring support when you need it most.

If you’re ready to take the next step to prearrange a cremation, call our team 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427. We're here to guide you through your options with zero pressure and complete transparency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Witness the Cremation?

Yes, some facilities allow family members to witness the cremation. This practice is common in certain religious traditions, particularly Hinduism. Not all crematories offer this option. After offers cremation viewing in Arizona.

Do You Have Clothes On When You're Cremated?

Yes, the common practice is to cremate the decedent with clothing on. If there's a viewing, families often dress their loved one in meaningful attire. For direct cremation without viewing, they either use a sheet or the clothing they wore upon arrival at the facility. All clothing must be combustible.

How Long Can You Keep Cremated Remains at Home?

There's no time limit to keep cremated remains at home. You can keep an urn at home indefinitely. Some families keep remains for years before deciding on permanent placement.

Can You Scatter Remains Anywhere?

No, you can’t scatter remains anywhere. Scattering regulations vary by location. You can generally scatter on private property with permission and on uninhabited public land (check federal and state rules first).

The EPA requires scattering at sea to occur at least 3 miles from shore. Many national and state parks prohibit scattering. Always check local laws before scattering remains.

What Is Water Cremation?

Water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) is an alternative to flame-based cremation. It uses water, heat, and alkali to speed up natural decomposition. The process takes longer and is considered more environmentally friendly.

It isn't yet legal in all states. After currently offers only traditional flame-based cremation.