When planning a funeral, one of the most important decisions you will make is whether your loved one will receive a burial or cremation service. Both are popular choices, but cremation services may not be as straightforward. The staff at Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home, based in Greenwich, CT, understands. Since 1846, they have provided compassionate service and guidance when families need it the most. This includes answering some of those difficult questions about sensitive subjects.

If you’re thinking about a cremation funeral, here is some information that you should know.

Common Questions About Cremation

1. What Is Cremation?

Cremation is the process where the human body is reduced to bone fragments in a chamber, also known as a chamber. The chamber, located in a crematory, is preheated to a temperature between 1400 and 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. After the container or casket containing the corpse is burned, the remains are cooled before being further reduced to a lighter consistency.

2. How Long Does It Last?

A typical process can take anywhere from two to three hours, depending on the size of the individual.

3. Is Embalming Necessary Before Cremation?

It is unlawful for a funeral home to perform embalming without permission from the family, and to inform families that it’s required before cremation. A family may, however, choose to have their loved one embalmed if they plan to have a visitation prior to the service.

4. Can the Family Witness the Cremation?

Typically, immediate family members are permitted to view the deceased before the cremation begins. The family is also permitted to gather when the body is released into the chamber.

5. What Happens to the Remains?

After the ashes are ready to be retrieved, a funeral home or crematory representative will contact you to arrange a pickup. You may choose to purchase an urn beforehand where you can put the remains. Otherwise, they are usually placed in a temporary container provided by the crematory.

The funeral director and staff at Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home are available to answer any of your questions during this difficult time. For more information about the funeral services, visit the website, or call (203) 869-0315.