Common Questions About Cremation Services

Is cremation right for you? What even is cremation? Use this list of frequently asked cremation questions to learn more about cremation services in Laplace, LA to better decide if its right for you and your loved ones.

10 Common Questions to Ask When Considering Cremation

Cremation is a wonderful way to honor and remember someone you love. It’s also an economical option if you’re on a tight budget. Keep reading for 10 questions that are important to ask when considering cremation:

Question#1. What is Cremation?

Cremation is a way of reducing a body to bone fragments and ash to make final disposition or interring easier or preferable. The body is heated in a chamber from 1,500 to 2,000 degrees F until it breaks down. It usually takes about two to three hours for a full cremation for an average-sized adult.

Question#2. Can We Have A Funeral Before the Cremation?

Embalming is required for a funeral or public visitation before cremation. But family members may view the deceased without prior embalming before the cremation process begins.

Question#3. Can the Family Watch the Cremation?

Cremation viewing may be available to family members if arranged in advance. Check with your cremation service for more information.

Question#4. What Happens After Cremation?

After the body is reduced to bone fragments via heat, the remains are swept into a container and cooled. Once cooled, they are inspected for items that weren’t reduced by the heat like medical devices, metal from clothing, etc. The remaining bone fragments are then put through a machine to be compressed to a consistent size of ash, placed in the chosen receptacle, and given to the family.

Question#5. Are All the Remains Returned to My Family?

All of the remains are returned except small particles that may have been drawn into the cremation or processing machines.

Question#6. How Do I Know I’ll Get the Right Remains?

Every cremation business has a series of checks and policies to ensure you get your loved one’s remains. These include positive identification at all stages of cremation, metal identification tags, and certified technicians.

Question#7. How Can I expect My Loved One’s Cremated Remains to Look?

Cremated remains look like ash, but with a light grey to white color. You can expect anywhere from 4 to 8 pounds of ash depending on how big your loved one was.

Question#8. What Do I Do with the Remains?

There are many options for your loved one’s cremated remains. You can bury them in a cemetery, enter them in a columbarium, or scatter them on private property just to name a few. You can get as creative as you like.

Question#9. Do I Have to Pay for an Urn?

Cremated remains can be returned to you in a basic container that’s included in the cremation charge. Moreover, you may purchase an urn or other receptacle if you so choose.

Question#10. Do I Need A Cremation Casket?

You do not need to purchase a traditional casket for cremation. Also, you do need a rigid container for the body to be cremated in.

These are just a few of the most common questions asked about cremation. If you have any more cremation questions or want to learn more about Laplace, LA cremation services, just get in touch with Millet Guidry Funeral Home. Call or visit us today for more information.

We hope this has been helpful for you as you consider your options. If you have any questions about cremation that are not covered here, please contact Millet Guidry Funeral Home by calling (985) 536-7700.