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Cremation

Can I arrange a cremation without a funeral service?

Yes. A cremation doesn’t need a funeral service.

Our bare (unattended) cremation is for families who want something simple, with no formal ceremony. You can still hold a farewell before or after, or decide you don’t want one at all. It’s in no way less dignified.

Can I have a cremation without service?

Yes. It’s usually called a direct or unattended cremation, and it’s in no way less dignified.

We bring your person into our care, sort out the paperwork, arrange the cremation and return the ashes to you. There’s no ceremony and no traditional funeral service.

Some families choose it because they want something simple and private. Others hold a memorial or celebration of life later, once everyone can get together. Either way, it’s your choice.

How do I open a standard ashes container?

With a flat-head screwdriver.

Work it gently around the lid a bit at a time rather than forcing it in one spot, so you don’t damage the container or spill anything. If you’d rather not do it yourself, just ask and we’ll give you a hand.

More about the container itself in Standard Ashes Container.

What body coverings can be cremated?

Natural materials are best. Silk, wool, cotton and leather are usually fine, and polyester may be ok depending on the crematorium and the item.

A few things can’t go in, including:

  • anything containing PVC or poly-vinyl acetate
  • latex rubber or plastic, like wetsuit material
  • rubber or plastic soles and uppers on shoes, sandals or slippers

Not sure about a particular outfit? Tell us what it is before the cremation and we’ll check with the crematorium.

What coffins or casket can be cremated?

Cardboard, timber or manufactured wood generally, as long as it meets the crematorium’s requirements. That goes for coffins, caskets and open transfer trays.

For the crematoriums we usually work with, that means:

  • no PVC
  • no metal linings or inserts
  • no innerspring, latex rubber or PVC mattresses or pillows
  • only suitable ferrous (steel) screws or nails

Making your own, or have something particular in mind? Brilliant. Just talk to us before you build or buy it, so we can check it against the crematorium’s rules first.

What happens during a cremation?

Your person and the coffin go into a cremator, where very high heat reduces everything except bone. The bone fragments are cooled and then processed into what we call ashes.

So the ashes aren’t the coffin or clothing. They’re mostly processed bone, fine and granular, and they’re placed in the ashes container for you.

Some medical devices need sorting out before a cremation can go ahead. What happens to implants when you are cremated explains more.

What happens to implants when you are cremated?

Some implants, like pacemakers, implanted defibrillators and drug pumps, can be dangerous in a cremator, so they need to be identified first.

If your person has one, tell us as early as you can. The independent doctor who gives permission to cremate checks for anything that could be a risk, and the doctor or crematorium decides what needs to happen before the cremation.

Things like prosthetic limbs and joint replacements don’t usually stop a cremation, but we still need to know about them so the crematorium can plan for it. Metals left after cremation are separated and recycled.

Not sure what they had? Tell us what you do know and we’ll work out the rest.

What will the ashes be returned in?

Unless you choose something else, a standard ashes container.

It’s simple and does the job. If you’d like something more personal, like an urn, a wooden box or something you’ve made, that’s completely up to you. And if you want to move the ashes into something else yourself, How do I open a standard ashes container shows you how.

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Where does a cremation take place?

At a licensed crematorium. We currently work with Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery & Crematorium and Eco Memorial Park.

Which one depends on practical things like where your person is being cared for, transport and availability. If you want to know where a particular cremation is happening, just ask.