For many people, the idea of a crematorium is unsettling and even a little daunting. At Levertons, we believe that openness and clarity help families feel more confident in their choices. In this article, we take you behind the scenes – step by step- so you know exactly what happens in a crematorium, and we answer some frequently asked questions.
From death to cremation: The early steps
1. Verification and paperwork
Before any cremation can proceed, certain legal and medical steps must be completed. A Medical of Cause of Death (MCCD) must be issued, and the death must be formally registered. If a coroner or further investigation is involved, that can delay matters. Only once all the legal formalities are in place can the cremation take place. See “when someone dies” section on our website for more information.
2. Transfer and preparation
The funeral director collects the deceased from the place of death or mortuary and the funeral director brings them to their care. At Levertons, the body is treated with dignity and respect: cleaned, dressed in clothing or a shroud (depending on family wishes), and any medical devices or jewellery removed (unless the family prefers the latter to remain).
Embalming is optional; it is often used when viewing is requested.
3. Booking the cremation slot
Cremations are booked in advance, and demand means slots may fill several days or even up to two weeks in advance (or more, depending on local pressure).
The funeral service and committal
If the family chooses an attended funeral, the ceremony usually takes place in the chapel on the day of cremation, although if the ceremony is later in the day, the cremation may not take place until the following working day.
- Mourners arrive, the coffin is brought into the chapel (often placed on a catafalque, or raised platform)
- The service (readings, hymns, eulogies, prayers) typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes (though that may be extended)
- At the point of committal, the coffin is usually obscured from view (for example, withdrawn behind curtains or a gate) while the final respects are paid. However, families may take the option on the coffin remaining in view until everyone has left the chapel.
- After the mourners depart, the coffin is moved from the chapel to the cremation (or charging) area.
Into the cremator: The cremation process
1. Identity checks and input
Before inserting the coffin, crematorium staff verify the identity of the deceased (matching nameplates, identity cards, or unique identifiers). This ensures the correct body is cremated.
2. Charging the coffin
The coffin (with the body inside) is placed in the cremation chamber (sometimes also called the “retort”) for cremation. In the UK, the coffin and body are cremated together; the container is not removed prior to cremation. The Code of Cremation Practice forbids opening the coffin once it has been committed, except in very exceptional circumstances, and it must not be disturbed.
3. Duration and temperature
The actual cremation typically takes around 90 minutes to two hours (in some cases slightly more, depending on body size, coffin type and other factors). The chambers are extremely hot (in the region of 1,000-1,200oC or more.
4. Removal of metal and pulverisation (cremulation)
Once the ashes are cooled, any metallic parts – such as surgical pins, screws, dental plates are removed using magnets or by hand, and these are usually recycled. The rest is processed by a machine called a cremulator to reduce them to a fine granular ash.
5. Packaging and storage of ashes
The processed ashes are placed into a container or urn clearly labelled with the deceased’s details. They may be temporarily stored until they can be collected by the family or interred or scattered, depending on the arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the coffin get cremated too?
Yes - in the UK, the coffin or container is cremated along with the body. The Code of Cremation Practice requires that the coffin not be opened once it has been committed , and that it be cremated intact (unless there is a very exceptional reason). Coffins intended for cremation must be combustible and suitable.
Q: Are multiple bodies cremated together?
No. Each cremation chamber only accommodates one coffin at a time, and each case is handled separately to avoid any mixing of remains.
Q: Can families witness the cremation?
Generally, no. Mourners attend the funeral service, but they will not be present when the coffin is placed into the cremator. Families may be allowed to be able to see the “charging” (the moment the coffin enters the chamber) for cultural or religious reasons, but it must be requested in advance of the funeral.
Q: How long does the process take (from start to finish)?
From coffin charging to cooled remains ready for processing, about 1.5 to 2 hours is typical. Including the time needed for preparation, paperwork, scheduling, and return of ashes, the full timeline may span several days to a week or more.
Q: When do families receive the ashes?
Ashes are typically not returned on the same day. After cooling, metal separation, and processing, the ashes are packaged, labelled, and made available for collection or interment as arranged.
Q: Can ashes be scattered or interred?
Yes - there are many options. Families may choose to collect the ashes to keep, inter them in a cemetery or crematorium plot, or scatter them in a memorial garden or a natural location (subject to local regulations). Many crematoriums have their own gardens of remembrance or scattering lawns.
Q: Can a cremation be arranged without a funeral director?
Yes, legally it is possible for the executor or next of kin to arrange a cremation themselves. However, they must adhere to all statutory requirements (transport, safety, paperwork, identity validation, etc). Many families prefer to use a funeral director because of the support and practical handling they provide. Many crematoria will only allow a cremation to be booked through a funeral director.
As funeral directors who have supported many families through the cremation journey of a loved one, we understand how important it is to know that the deceased is treated with care and dignity every step of the way. At Levertons, we never forget that behind every cremation is a person who was deeply loved - and a family doing their best to honour them.
Our role is to make sure everything is handled with respect, transparency, and kindness. We believe that when families understand what happens at each stage, it helps ease some of the uncertainty and allows them to focus on remembering and celebrating the life that was lived.
If there’s anything you’re unsure about - whether it’s how the process works, what happens afterwards, or simply what to expect - please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re always here to listen, to explain, and to support you in whatever way we can.
