How to Book a Cremation

There are a number of steps that you must complete before you can book a cremation. These include deciding on the type of service that you wish to have, arranging for transport to and from the crematorium, and ensuring that you have the appropriate paperwork.

You must also decide who will lead the funeral. This can be you, a family member, or an independent celebrant. If you have a religious faith, you may want to talk with your spiritual leader or clergy. Some crematoriums offer a selection of celebrants who are available to perform your funeral service. However, you may have to pay more if you choose a service performed by a minister.

The standard slot for a cremation service is 30 minutes. You should check with the crematory you are planning to visit to see if you can reserve a longer time. Be sure to provide enough time for people to arrive, sit down in the chapel, and leave.

If you are not going to be there, you should hire someone to take care of your loved one until you can arrive. Many hospitals and care homes will be able to help you, as will funeral providers. They will also be able to assist with the paperwork.

If you are planning to bury the body, you will need to purchase a casket or urn. Your provider may also provide a medical certificate that says the person has died. Depending on where you live, you may have to wait a certain amount of time to receive the certificate. For example, in Texas, you will have to wait 48 hours before receiving a certificate.

In England, a death certificate is usually required to make arrangements for a cremation. You can get a green form from the Registrar of Deaths. But you should contact your physician for advice first. Typically, a doctor will be able to complete the process faster than the Registrar, which can delay the process.

In Scotland, you must register the death with the Registrar of Deaths within eight days. If you are planning to bury the body, a Deed of Burial must be registered and a new plot opened. Similarly, in Illinois, you will have to wait a certain amount of time before you can receive a death certificate.

During this time, you will need to make arrangements to have the deceased transported to the cremation facility. Crematoria may have guidelines on the types of clothing and footwear that you can wear while transporting the body.

If you are unable to plan ahead, you can call an ambulance or an emergency service to help you move the body. When the body is ready, the funeral director will pick it up and arrange for transport to the crematory. After the body is taken to the crematory, a brief visitation and committal will be held before the remains are cremated.

It is best to discuss the details of your funeral with a licensed funeral director before you can arrange for the service. An expert will be able to help you with every step of the arrangement.