What is a cremation?

Cremation is the practice of using heat at very high temperatures to reduce a deceased body to ashes. The cremator places the ashes in a simple container or an urn and returns them to the family. Cremations are a common alternative to burials and a preferred method for over 65% of Australians. People choose to have cremations due to religious beliefs, affordability, and environmental impact.

Step by Step guide to the cremation process

After the funeral service, there are requirements to follow before the cremation can proceed.

Step 1 – Choosing a provider

The first step involves transporting the body to the crematorium. You need to speak with your chosen provider to arrange transportation. If you haven’t chosen a provider, call us on 1300 994 700 and Serenity will arrange everything for you.

Step 2 – Procedures and Paperwork

Whomever you select, the provider should have the staff, vehicles, and capability to carry out a cremation. Make sure they have a license and follow the guidelines set for Western Australia. There are strict rules to adhere to on the identity of the deceased. That includes receiving copies of the death certificate, application for cremation, and permits.

Step 3 – Preparing the body

After the funeral, we transport the coffin to the crematorium. Once the body arrives, the correct paperwork verifies the identity of the deceased. Once confirmed the process of caring for and preparing the body can begin. We return personal items like jewelry, watches, and belongings back to family members.

Step 4 – Cremating the body

After one last check, we place the coffin or casket into the incinerator. The time it takes to complete the cremation depends on the size of the deceased. On average, it takes around 2 hours and sometimes longer for larger bodies. After cooling, we crush any remaining bones into a fine powder.

Step 5: Returning the ashes

When the entire procedure finishes, we collect the ashes and place them into an urn or a basic container. We then return the ashes to you and your family. There are many ways to commemorate your loved one after the cremation. Read our guide for suggestions on what to do with the ashes.