As funeral directors, we are seeing an increase in people choosing a cremation service either as a pre-planned option for themselves or for their loved one who has passed.
Many families may wonder: what is the typical order of events at a cremation service in the UK? Below, we’ve outlined the general structure of a cremation service with us, and what you can expect on the day, so that you can feel a little more comforted and prepared, if you are attending a service soon.
At Jackson Family Funeral Directors, every service starts with a blank piece of paper, allowing our families to personalise almost every aspect of the service. However, knowing the basic structure can help ease any anxiety during a difficult time.
What is Cremation?
A cremation is the process of reducing a body to ashes using high temperatures within a cremator. It has become the most common choice for funerals in the UK and many people are now choosing this as an alternative to a traditional burial.
A cremation service may take many forms. It can be religious, non-religious, or a celebration of life. The service typically takes place in a crematorium chapel, followed by the cremation process being carried out privately afterwards.
Before the Cremation Service
The time leading up to the service is an important part of the arrangements, and your funeral director will guide you through each step to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.
In the days or weeks beforehand, you will be able to work closely with your funeral director to plan the service. This may include:
- Choosing music for arrival, reflection and departure
- Selecting readings, poems, or religious passages
- Planning the order of service
- Adding personal touches such as photo slideshows or video tributes
- Deciding who will give eulogies or speeches
Your funeral director will always do their best to accommodate adjustments where possible.
Arrival at the Crematorium
On the day of the service, the hearse will arrive at the crematorium, the funeral director will walk ahead of it slowly, in a process known as ‘paging’ or leading the cortege. As they are guiding it to the crematorium, the attendees will either be watching outside or be seated inside the crematorium. Before entering the chapel, there is a moment of respect in which the funeral director and pallbearers will bow to the coffin as a final gesture of dignity and care.
Entry into the Chapel
The coffin is then carefully carried from the hearse by pallbearers or chosen coffin bearers. This could include family members, friends, or professional bearers depending on your wishes.
Mourners are usually already seated inside the chapel or may follow behind the coffin as it is brought in. As music plays, the coffin is placed on a raised platform, called a ‘catafalque’. This may be decorated and any floral tributes are placed beside, which are placed beforehand.
There is often a moment of quiet reflection at this point as it marks the beginning of the service.
During the Cremation Service
A cremation service in the UK typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the service. Extra time may be arranged if a longer service is required.
During the cremation service music is played, sometimes videos and slideshows of images are shown, and hymns may also be sung as well as eulogies. Each service is shaped entirely around the wishes of the family.
The Committal
As the service draws to a close, the committal takes place. This is the final moment of the ceremony in the chapel.
Traditionally, a curtain is drawn around the coffin, or it may gently move out of sight on a platform.
Family and friends are then led out of the chapel, and some more chosen music is usually played, as a final farewell.
After the Cremation Service
Family and friends then leave the crematorium chapel, see the floral tributes that have been given by friends and family and they will then make their way to the wake or any other celebration of life.
The cremation itself then takes place privately after the service, following strict regulations and procedures.
For more frequently asked questions, feel free to read our other blog, where our Pershore Funeral Director, Elaina, answers some commonly asked questions when it comes to cremations. Read the blog here
Final Thoughts
We feel it is important to understand the typical order of events at a cremation service in the UK as it can help make the day feel more manageable and less overwhelming. While the structure typically remains the same, each service is entirely personal and tailored to the wishes of the family or the individual’s planned wishes.
If you’re unsure about anything, please feel free to give us a call or make an enquiry and we’ll be happy to talk things through with you.
