How can I ensure that I am cremated when I die?
Clear instructions in writing should be given to the person who will be responsible for your funeral when you die. These instructions are not binding in Law, unless written in your will, so you should ensure the person you instruct is someone who will carry out your wishes. The final decision rests with your executor.
Must there be any religious service with cremations?
No. A civil ceremony can be conducted or there may be none at all. On occasions a memorial service is conducted away from the crematorium.
Can I keep the cremated remains if I want, or must I dispose of them?
In most instances disposal of cremated remains is the responsibility of the administrators of the estate. The cremated remains may be kept if they wish or they may prefer a memorial placement within a memorial garden. This then provides a place where all can visit and reflect on the memories and lives of loved ones that are no longer with us.
What happens at the crematorium on the day of the funeral?
Instructions as to the order of service etc is usually arranged prior to the service with the funeral director. In many cases the coffin is brought into the chapel and placed on the catafalque (committal table) prior to the mourners entering the chapel and taking their seats. At an appropriate time during the service the coffin may be removed from view by closing curtains or activating a conveyance.
What happens to the coffin after the service?
It is withdrawn into the committal room where the nameplate of the coffin is checked with the cremation order to ensure it is the correct identity. The coffin is then identified with the label giving all relevant information. This identification then stays with the coffin until the final disposition of the remains.
Can certain items be placed in the coffin?
The best advice is that jewellery etc should be removed after death. No glass or metal should be placed inside the coffin.
Preparation of the cremated remains. What does this entail?
When the cremation is complete, the remains are withdrawn from the cremator into a cooling tray. When cool, any metallic material is removed and the remains are placed into a machine which reduces them to a fine ash.
If I wanted to know more about cremation, how should I go about it?
Please do not hesitate to contact Broulee Memorial Gardens and our staff will answer your queries. If you wish, an inspection could be arranged.
