Detailing the process - after the funeral service Following the funeral service, the coffin is moved to the crematorium. Once accepted by crematorium staff the coffin remains sealed throughout the cremation process.
Is the coffin cremated with the body? Yes. The Federation Of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) Guiding Principles state that the container and the body shall be placed in cremator and cremation commenced.
Yes, the coffin is also cremated. A deceased person is not safely placed within a crematory unless a coffin is used.
You will usually carry the coffin to the front of the church or crematorium. In the case of a burial you will again carry to the hearse and then to the grave, or directly to the grave if it is close by.
A Pallbearer is traditionally one of the people who will help to carry someone's coffin from the hearse to the funeral venue.
So why do Funeral Directors bow at coffins? Respect. The aim when working with any family is to show their loved one as much dignity and respect as possible. Even though this person may not be walking on this earth any longer does not mean that they deserve any less respect.
Who Carries the Coffin at a Funeral? At a funeral, the coffin or casket can be carried either by designated pallbearers as arranged by the funeral directors, or by any of your chosen family members or friends.
A casket is a specially-designed box made to contain a deceased person's body. It's typically used during a funeral service for viewing the body. Then, if the family has not chosen a cremation burial, the casket containing the body is lowered into the ground during the burial ceremony.
Typically, in a church service, only the immediate family would follow the coffin in with all of the other attendees seated beforehand. Whereas at the crematorium, it is traditional for everyone to follow the coffin in.
Is Carrying a Coffin Heavy for Pallbearers? Yes, carrying a coffin can be burdensome for pallbearers. The body, casket, and hardware may weigh 400 pounds. If that weight is divided evenly among six pallbearers, each one is responsible for about 66 pounds.
How long does a cremation process take? Cremations last between one and three hours with cooling taking a further one or two hours. This depends on cremation temperatures, the size of the deceased, and coffin material.
The Regulation does not allow more than one body to be cremated in the same crematory retort at the same time to ensure that the ashes they receive are not a mixture of ashes from different people. It is for this reason that cremation authorities no longer attempt to separate wood ash from human ash.
How is the body prepared for cremation? Usually, the body is bathed, cleaned, and dressed before identification. There is no embalming unless you have a public viewing or you request it. Next, the technician removes jewelry or other items that you would like to keep.
Yes, watching a cremation is allowed. The specific guidelines depend on the rules established by your mortuary or crematorium. Because there are no laws around witness cremations—the specific term for cremations that are viewed by witnesses—each facility is free to make and enforce its own policies.
People are often surprised by how much cremated remains they get back after a body has been cremated. All bones are left they do not evaporate. The bones are then reduced in size to a granular consistency. The cremated remains of an adult typically weigh between five and eight pounds.
Cremated remains are commonly referred to as “ashes”. However, technically there are no ashes, what is left are the fragile calcified bone fragments. The ashes are transferred into an urn or container and is then returned to the family.
Over time, coffins underground will decompose and eventually collapse. Covering the face before closing the casket adds an extra layer of protection and dignity for the deceased's face and can act as a symbolic final goodbye.
The funeral director will then walk in front of the hearse for a short distance. This is a mark of respect to the deceased and also gives following cars an opportunity to join the cortege.
There is usually no set seating arrangement at a funeral. However, it is traditional for the family and close loved ones of the deceased to sit in the first few rows of the church, chapel or service venue. For other attendees, it is a good idea to take a seat in the middle rows of the venue.
Can Couples Be Placed in the Same Coffin? While it may be possible if there is a big enough coffin and plot to accommodate the couple, there are many other logistical constraints that may not permit this to happen. Having a large enough casket for two may not be easily transportable.
The officiant will usually lead the procession and pallbearers carrying the coffin tend to follow. Immediate family and close friends will often walk behind the coffin, followed by other guests.
A hospital is allowed to keep the body of a deceased person in a hospital mortuary for up to 21 days after the date of death (section 80 of the Regulation). Hospital mortuaries are designed for the short-term storage of a limited number of bodies of persons that pass away in hospitals.
Other Important Etiquette Tips to Follow: Taking photographs with relatives after the service is acceptable, but learn to read the room. Avoid taking selfies, and never take one with a coffin.
Photos are one of the most popular items to place inside a coffin. With the exception of green burials, these can be buried and, in many cases, cremated with the person. Other popular examples of what to put in a casket include flowers, letters, books and, when a baby or child has died, a teddy or other soft toys.
Coffins and caskets alone, on average, can weigh around 25-40kg, but can weigh up to 100kg. The actual weight including the deceased will, of course, vary. We would suggest that only those of a reasonable level of fitness and the confidence to carry at least 25kg take on this important role.