What is a cremation service?

How does cremation work? Let's find out about this alternative to burial.

What is a cremation service?

A cremation service is a popular alternative to burial. It involves using heat to turn a person's body into ashes.



This process can be preceded by a service. In this service, pallbearers carry the coffin into the room. A celebrant can then lead a service. Like a burial service, this can include readings, music and eulogies.


The person or people responsible for arranging the service get to decide whether people are standing outside or seated inside when the coffin is brought in. They can also choose whether curtains should be drawn at the end of the service.


Increasingly, cremation services can be live streamed for people unable to attend. This practice became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to this day.

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How does cremation work?

Cremation is a popular way to put people to rest in the UK. First, the body is prepared by removing jewellery and medical devices. The body is then turned into ashes in a cremator. These ashes are returned to loved ones. They can then be buried, scattered or kept at home.



The process takes place at a crematorium. This can be accompanied by the funeral service. Alternatively, there can be a direct cremation without mourners followed by a funeral service at a place of worship or other venue.

How long does a cremation service last?

Cremation services usually last about the same as a burial service – somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes. This can change, however, depending on the nature of the event.


A longer cremation service might include more eulogies, tributes, speakers, poems, readings or musical performances.



The cremation itself takes between one and three hours. Aquamation (an alternative to flame cremation not yet commercially available in the UK) takes longer.

Cremation FAQs

  • Can you have a cremation without a service?

    Yes, you can have a cremation without a service. This is called a "direct cremation" and is a simple event with no mourners present.


    If you choose a direct cremation for someone who died, you can always hold a memorial service at a later date.


    In terms of cost, SunLife gives £1,597 as a representative amount.

  • How is a cremation service different from a burial service?

    A cremation service ends with the coffin being taken away and put into a cremator. A burial ends with the body being put in the ground. Aside from this, the two services are often very similar.

  • What forms do I need for a cremation?

    To arrange a cremation or cremation service, you need to complete two pieces of paperwork.


    The first is the application for cremation. This will be given to you by the funeral director. You need to fill out this form and give it back to the funeral director.


    The second document is the certificate for cremation, also known as the  "green form". This will be given to you by the registry office when registering the death.

  • Where do ashes go after cremation?

    When you arrange a cremation service, the funeral director will talk to you about your wishes for the ashes after the service.


    You can collect the ashes from the crematorium yourself or nominate someone (including the funeral director) to fetch them for you.


    Once you have the ashes, they can be kept in an urn, buried or scattered.

  • Can cremation ashes be buried in a cemetery?

    Yes, ashes from a cremation can be buried in a cemetery. Many cemeteries offer plots for burying ashes. If you have a family plot, you may be able to bury them there.


    If you want to bury cremation ashes in a cemetery or crematorium, your first port of call should be the venue to make arrangements.

  • Can cremation urns be buried?

    Yes, cremation urns can be buried in cemeteries, churchyards and other burial grounds. Some cemeteries have special Gardens of Remembrance for this purpose. The urn can be put straight in the ground or placed in a burial plot.

  • How much does a cremation cost?

    The prices of cremation services vary from provider to provider. According to SunLife, the average cost of a simple attended funeral is £4,285. Direct cremations without mourners are more affordable.


    The overall cost can be affected by a number of factors. These include the location, the type of service and the amount of optional extras (flowers, venue hire and catering).

Arrange the cremation you want with AFD

At AFD, we can help you arrange a cremation. We offer a listening ear and clear, compassionate guidelines at all stages of the process. Get in touch via our webpage or on our 24/7 phone line on 020 8355 7876.