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cremation

Can I have a cremation without service?

Yes. You can choose cremation without having a funeral service.

This is often called a direct cremation. We collect the person who has died, take care of the necessary arrangements and cremation, and return the cremated remains to you afterwards.

There is no ceremony at the crematorium and no need for a traditional funeral service.

Some families choose this because they want something simple and private. Others choose to hold a memorial or celebration of life later, when everyone has had time to gather.

There is no right or wrong way to say goodbye. What matters is choosing what feels right for you and your family.

Can I have a memorial after cremation?

Yes. A memorial can be held after a cremation.

There is no requirement for the ceremony to happen before the cremation. Some families choose a simple cremation first, then hold a memorial service or celebration of life later.

This can give everyone a little more time to gather, particularly when family and friends are travelling from different places.

A memorial can be held wherever it feels right — at a community hall, a place that was special to the person, at home, or another meaningful location.

There is no set formula. It can be as formal or as relaxed as you like, and you can take the time to create something that genuinely reflects the person you are remembering.

What body coverings can be cremated?

For cremation, natural materials are generally preferred for clothing or a shroud.

Silk, wool, cotton and leather are commonly suitable. Polyester clothing may also be acceptable, depending on the crematorium and the particular item.

Some materials are not suitable for cremation, including:

  • materials containing PVC or poly-vinyl acetate
  • latex-based rubber or plastic, such as wetsuit material
  • rubber or plastic soles and uppers on shoes, sandals or slippers

If you are unsure about a particular item of clothing, tell us what it is before the cremation. We can check the requirements of the crematorium being used.

What coffins or casket can be cremated?

Coffins, caskets and non-enclosed transfer trays used for cremation need to meet the requirements of the crematorium.

For the crematoriums Rest commonly works with, acceptable construction generally includes cardboard, timber or manufactured wood products. There are also restrictions on materials and fittings, including:

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

If you are considering a particular coffin, casket or homemade option, talk to us first. The safest approach is to check it against the requirements of the crematorium before it is built or purchased.

What happens during a cremation?

During cremation, the body and the coffin or casket are placed into a cremator and exposed to very high temperatures. The organic material is reduced, while the remaining bone fragments are cooled and processed into the cremated remains commonly called ashes.

The ashes are therefore not simply the remains of clothing or the coffin. They are predominantly processed bone.

After cremation, the remaining bone fragments are allowed to cool and are then processed to produce the familiar granular or powder-like cremated remains, which are placed into the ashes container.

There are some materials and medical devices that can affect whether a cremation can proceed and how the remains are handled. What happens to implants when you are cremated explains more about this.

What happens to implants when you are cremated?

Some medical implants and devices can create a risk during cremation and need to be identified before the cremation takes place.

If your loved one has a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, drug infusion pump or another device that may present a cremation risk, tell us as early as possible. The relevant doctor or crematorium will determine what needs to happen before cremation.

Queensland law requires permission for a cremation. Where a doctor is responsible for that permission, the doctor examines the circumstances and considers whether there is a cremation risk.

Some prosthetic limbs and other implants do not necessarily prevent cremation, but it is still important that we know about them so the crematorium can make the appropriate arrangements.

If you are unsure what has been implanted, tell us what you do know. We can help work out what information is needed.

Where does a cremation take place?

The cremation takes place at a licensed crematorium.

Depending on the location and scheduling, Rest currently works with crematorium partners including Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery & Crematorium and Eco Memorial Park.

The location used for a particular cremation depends on practical factors such as where the person is being cared for, transport and availability.

If you want to know where a particular cremation will take place, ask us. We can tell you which crematorium is being used for that arrangement.