When a family chooses cremation, the decision often brings a mix of relief and new questions. Relief, because cremation can be simpler and more flexible. Questions, because the steps before and during cremation can feel unfamiliar. If you are wondering exactly what happens at a funeral home and crematory—what paperwork is required, how identification is handled, what happens to medical devices, whether embalming is needed, and what you will receive afterward—this guide is here to walk you through it with clarity and care.
Cremation is also increasingly common, which means many families are navigating these choices for the first time. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the U.S. cremation rate is projected at 63.4% for 2025, and the majority preference is expected to continue. The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) reports a U.S. cremation rate of 61.8% in 2024. With more families choosing cremation, the practical decisions around cremation urns, cremation jewelry, and funeral planning are no longer “niche” questions—they are everyday questions, asked in real time, while grief is still fresh.
What Happens Before Cremation: Paperwork, Identification, and Practical Details
Before any cremation can occur, there is a careful sequence of legal steps and professional checks. Families often picture cremation as a single event, but in practice it is a chain-of-custody process that begins as soon as the funeral home takes the person into their care.
Cremation Authorization Paperwork and Permits
The first “invisible” part of cremation is often the most important: permission and documentation. In the U.S., cremation generally requires a signed authorization from the person with legal authority (often the next of kin or a designated agent), along with required permits. State requirements vary, but the theme is consistent: cremation is not started until the right person has authorized it and the required documentation is in place. For a concrete example of how detailed this can be, Ohio Revised Code Section 4717.24 describes a cremation authorization form that includes identification steps, permit information, and confirmation of the authorizing agent’s legal right to proceed.
In the funeral home arrangement meeting—whether in person, by phone, or online—you can expect to review and sign cremation authorization paperwork, confirm who will receive the cremated remains afterward, and discuss whether there will be a viewing or service with the body present. If a death requires review by a medical examiner or coroner, the cremation timeline may also depend on that clearance.
Identification During Cremation: How Families Are Protected From Mix-Ups
Families deserve confidence that the person being cremated is their loved one. This is why identification is handled deliberately. Many states require an identification step that includes a visual identification of the deceased or a photograph or other visual image, signed by the authorizing agent, with alternatives when visual identification is not feasible. Again, Ohio Revised Code Section 4717.24 is one example that explicitly describes this identification requirement.
In day-to-day practice, funeral homes also rely on internal procedures: an identification wristband or tag, paperwork that follows the person through each transfer, and a documented handoff to the crematory. If you want reassurance, it is reasonable to ask what identification steps are used, how transfers are documented, and when the family can expect updates.
Personal Effects: What Is Removed and What Can Be Included
One of the most practical questions families have is also one of the most emotional: “What happens to their jewelry and personal items?” Typically, valuables and personal effects are removed and inventoried, then returned to the family unless the family has requested that certain items remain with the person. Policies differ by provider and by local law, so it is important to communicate your preferences clearly at the arrangement meeting.
Some states’ authorization forms explicitly address this. For example, Ohio Revised Code Section 4717.24 includes a requirement for listing items of value delivered with the body and instructions for handling those items. If there is something you want returned—a wedding ring, a watch, a rosary—say so early, in writing if possible, so the funeral home can document the request.
Pacemaker Removal Before Cremation and Other Medical Devices
Medical devices are another area where families want clear, plain answers. Anything with a battery can be a safety hazard in the cremation chamber. That is why pacemaker removal before cremation is standard practice. The Neptune Society explains that pacemakers (and similar implanted devices) must be removed because components may explode under high heat, risking equipment damage and staff safety. Some state authorization requirements also specifically ask whether the deceased has a pacemaker, defibrillator, or other device that poses a hazard to personnel, as described in Ohio Revised Code Section 4717.24.
Not all implants need to be removed prior to cremation. Many metal orthopedic implants can remain and are typically separated afterward during processing. If you are unsure whether a device is relevant—an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), certain radioactive implants, or other specialty devices—tell the funeral director. It is always better to over-disclose and let the professionals confirm what must be removed.
Is Embalming Needed for Cremation or Viewing?
This is one of the most common points of confusion: families often assume embalming is required for cremation, or required if they want any kind of goodbye. In most cases, that is not true.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains in its Funeral Rule guidance that, except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law, though it may be necessary for certain arrangements such as a formal public viewing. The FTC also notes that unless state or local law requires embalming, providers may not claim embalming is required for direct cremation, immediate burial, or a closed-casket funeral with no formal viewing when refrigeration is available.
In practical terms, what matters most is timing and the type of gathering you want. If you want a viewing with the body present, the funeral home will discuss options such as embalming and restoration, or other preparations that make the person suitable for viewing. If you do not want a viewing, and you are choosing direct cremation or a simple goodbye, embalming is often unnecessary. Refrigeration and timely scheduling are frequently enough to support the plan.
What Happens During Cremation: The Cremation Retort Process in Gentle Detail
The actual cremation is performed at a licensed crematory in a cremation chamber, often called a retort. If you have seen the phrase cremation retort process and wondered what it means, it is simply the technical name for the equipment and procedure used to perform cremation.
Before the cremation begins, the crematory verifies paperwork, identity, and readiness, then confirms the container choice. The body is placed into the cremation chamber inside a combustible container. If you chose a cremation casket or a simple cremation container, that container is cremated with the body. Many authorization requirements explicitly address that the container used for delivery is the container cremated, such as the statement described in Ohio Revised Code Section 4717.24.
Families sometimes worry about “what is left” after cremation. A helpful, respectful way to understand it is this: the cremated remains are primarily bone fragments. After the process, the remains are cooled, then processed into the finer consistency most people recognize as “ashes.” Many crematories can return the remains in a temporary container the same day as processing is complete, but in other cases the timeline may include additional waiting for paperwork, scheduling, or travel back to the funeral home.
What Happens After Cremation: Processing, Temporary Containers, and Returning the Ashes
After cremation, you will receive the cremated remains in either a temporary container or an urn you selected. Many families receive a temporary urn container first, then take a little time—sometimes days, sometimes weeks—to choose something more permanent. This is normal. Grief rarely matches a retail timeline.
If you plan to choose a permanent urn later, it can help to focus on safe storage and emotional comfort first. Funeral.com’s guide Keeping Ashes at Home: How to Do It Safely, Respectfully, and Legally is a reassuring resource for families who are considering keeping ashes at home, even temporarily.
It is also common to ask, gently and directly, “How will the ashes be packaged?” Most providers return cremated remains in a sealed bag inside the temporary container. If your family expects to divide ashes among relatives, say so early; it can affect which urn sizes and formats you choose, and it can simplify the process if the funeral home prepares the remains with that plan in mind.
Cremation Containers, Cremation-Ready Caskets, and Rental Caskets: How to Choose
This is where the practical and the emotional collide: the container choice affects cost, the type of service you can hold, and the overall feel of the farewell. Families often assume they must buy a casket for cremation, but consumer protections and modern options make this more flexible than many people realize.
Cremation Container vs Casket: The Core Difference
A cremation container vs casket comparison is really about purpose. A cremation container (also called an alternative container) is designed to be functional, combustible, and appropriate for direct cremation or simple services. A cremation-ready casket is designed to support a more traditional viewing or service with the body present, while still being suitable for cremation.
The FTC states that if you want to arrange a direct cremation, you can use an alternative container, and it describes these containers as being made of materials like fiberboard or composition materials. The FTC also prohibits providers from telling consumers that state or local law requires a casket for direct cremation when that is not true. This is a key part of protecting families who want dignity without unnecessary expense.
Rental Casket for Cremation: When It Makes Sense
If you want a viewing or visitation with the body present, but you do not want to purchase a full casket that will be cremated, a rental casket for cremation can be an excellent middle option. Rental caskets are designed for ceremonial use and typically include a removable interior insert (often called a “cremation container” insert) that is cremated. The outer casket is used for the viewing and then returned to the funeral home.
For many families, this option aligns with both emotional needs and budget boundaries: you still have the familiar experience of gathering, seeing the person, and saying goodbye, without paying for a casket that is going to be cremated. If you want a deeper overview of these options and how they affect pricing, Funeral.com’s article Casket Choices Explained: Materials, Features, Rental Options, and Saving on Costs is a practical companion.
A Simple Comparison to Match Your Service Plan
| Option | Best For | What It Typically Looks Like | Budget Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cremation container (alternative container) | Direct cremation; simple goodbye; no formal viewing | Simple, combustible container designed for cremation | Usually the lowest-cost option for the container itself |
| Cremation-ready casket | Viewing or service with body present; traditional feel | Looks like a casket; combustible and suitable for cremation | Typically higher cost than an alternative container |
| Rental casket | Viewing or visitation with body present, without buying a full casket to cremate | Casket used for the service, with a removable insert cremated | Often a middle ground: ceremony experience without full purchase cost |
If you feel torn, it can help to start with one question: “Do we want a gathering with the body present?” If the answer is yes, you are likely considering a cremation casket or rental casket. If the answer is no, an alternative container is often the simplest, most straightforward fit.
Choosing Urns, Keepsakes, and Jewelry After Cremation
Once cremation is complete, families move from the immediate logistics to a different kind of decision: where love “lands.” That is what urns and keepsakes really are. They give the relationship a physical place to rest, whether that place is a mantle, a garden, a piece of jewelry, or the ocean.
Cremation Urns for Ashes: Full-Size, Small, and Keepsake Options
Many families start with a classic, full-size urn meant to hold nearly all of an adult’s remains. Funeral.com’s collection of cremation urns for ashes includes a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern, allowing families to find something that feels like the person rather than like a generic object.
Other families choose a more compact approach. small cremation urns can be a practical solution when space is limited, when the urn will be placed in a niche, or when a family plans to keep a portion of the remains while scattering or burying the rest. If multiple relatives want to keep a small portion, keepsake urns offer a gentle, shareable way to honor one person in multiple homes.
If you want a calm, plan-first way to choose, Funeral.com’s guide How to Choose a Cremation Urn That Fits Your Plans helps families match urn type to real-life intentions instead of guessing.
Pet Urns for Ashes: When the Loss Is a Companion
Many of the same questions apply after a pet cremation, and the grief can be just as profound. Families often look for pet urns and pet urns for ashes that feel personal: a photo frame urn, a paw-print design, or a shape that reflects the pet’s presence in the home. Funeral.com’s pet cremation urns collection includes a wide range of options for different sizes and styles.
If your family wants something sculptural and specific, pet figurine cremation urns can feel like a tribute that carries personality, not just ashes. And if you are dividing a small amount among family members, pet keepsake cremation urns offer a smaller format designed for sharing. For guidance on sizing and style, Funeral.com’s article Choosing the Right Urn for Pet Ashes can reduce uncertainty when you are already emotionally worn out.
Cremation Jewelry and Cremation Necklaces: Keeping Someone Close
For some families, the most comforting option is not a display urn at all. It is a wearable keepsake. cremation jewelry is designed to hold a very small, symbolic portion of ashes (or another keepsake), allowing a person to carry connection into daily life. If you are specifically considering cremation necklaces, Funeral.com’s cremation necklaces collection offers options that range from discreet to expressive.
The practical piece here is sealing and comfort. Cremation jewelry is small, and filling it can feel intimidating. A calm guide can help: Cremation Jewelry: A Gentle, Practical Guide walks through how families think about wearability, discretion, and everyday life.
Funeral Planning Questions That Help You Feel In Control
When you are arranging cremation, the best funeral planning is often simple: ask the questions that remove uncertainty. You do not need to memorize industry language. You only need clarity.
Here are a few practical questions that tend to make everything feel steadier, especially when you are also thinking about a container or a service:
- What paperwork is required before the cremation can occur, and what could delay it?
- How is identification confirmed at each step, including at the crematory?
- Will there be a viewing, and if so, what preparation is recommended? Is embalming required for our specific plan?
- What container options are available for direct cremation, and what would you recommend for a visitation or service?
- How will the cremated remains be returned (temporary container or urn), and when can we expect them?
- If we plan to divide ashes into keepsakes or jewelry, can the funeral home help us do that safely?
If cost is part of your planning—as it is for most families—it can help to review a trustworthy baseline. The NFDA statistics page lists national median costs (including a funeral with viewing and cremation) and also notes that many people who prefer cremation envision either scattering or keeping remains at home in an urn. For a more detailed, family-focused breakdown, Funeral.com’s guide how much does cremation cost explains common price ranges, what tends to be included, and how choices like containers, urns, and keepsakes can fit your budget without feeling like you are cutting corners on love.
What to Do With Ashes: Keeping, Scattering, and Water Burial Options
After cremation, families often realize they do not need to decide everything immediately. This is one quiet advantage of cremation: it gives time. Some families choose keeping ashes at home for months or years before deciding on a final placement. Others plan a scattering in a meaningful place. Others choose cemetery placement. According to the NFDA, among those who prefer cremation, significant shares express interest in keeping remains in an urn at home, scattering, or burying/interring in a cemetery—an acknowledgment that there is no single “right” way to do this.
If you are in the “we need time” stage, start with safety and gentleness. Funeral.com’s guide keeping ashes at home offers practical reassurance, including how to store paperwork and how to choose a placement that feels respectful in daily life.
If your loved one belonged to the water—lakes, rivers, the ocean—families sometimes consider a water burial ceremony. A water setting can feel peaceful and symbolic, and it often pairs with biodegradable containers. Funeral.com’s guide water burial explains what typically happens in these ceremonies and how families plan them in a respectful, environmentally mindful way.
And if you are simply asking the broad, human question—what to do with ashes—it may help to connect the decision to the kind of remembrance you want. Funeral.com’s article Memorial Service: How to Plan a Meaningful Tribute (and What to Do With Ashes Afterward) is a gentle bridge between ceremony planning and practical next steps.
A Final Word: The Goal Is Not Perfection, It Is Peace
In the days after a death, families often feel pressure to “get it right.” But cremation planning is not a test. It is a set of decisions meant to protect dignity, follow the law, and support the people left behind. The most comforting plan is usually the one that matches your real needs: the kind of goodbye you want, the budget you can live with, and the way you want to carry love forward.
If you are choosing a container, remember that you can match it to your service plan, not to anyone else’s expectations. If you are choosing an urn, remember that the “right” urn is the one that fits your life—whether that is a full-size memorial from cremation urns for ashes, a compact choice from small cremation urns, shareable keepsake urns, a meaningful pet tribute from pet urns for ashes, or wearable remembrance through cremation jewelry and cremation necklaces.
When you are ready, take it one step at a time. The logistics can be handled. The love is already there.
