• Cremation is often misunderstood, so it's useful to first define it by what it is not. It's not the final resting place of remains, nor is it a funeral service itself.

• Instead, cremation is a specific process of reducing the body to bone fragments through intense heat and flame.

• No, a traditional burial casket is not required for cremation.

• However, a combustible container, such as a simple cardboard box or a cremation-specific casket, is necessary for the cremation process.

• Yes, it is absolutely possible to have a viewing or funeral service with the body present before cremation.

• The body can be embalmed and presented in a rental casket or a cremation casket for the service.

• Typically, jewelry and personal belongings are removed before cremation.

• Families can decide whether to keep these items or have them placed with the deceased for cremation (though this is less common).

• The cremated remains are returned to the family in a bamboo urn, which we provide as a complimentary gift.

• We also invite you to view our beautiful urn catalog for additional options. View Catalog

• "Cremains" are the processed bone fragments that remain after the cremation process.

• The final volume varies depending on the individual's bone structure, but it's typically between 3 to 9 pounds or roughly 200 cubic inches.

• Some cremation providers offer the option for family members to witness the start of the cremation process.

• This is something you would need to discuss and arrange with the specific cremation provider. Contact us for more details.

• There are many options, including keeping them in an urn at home, burial in a cemetery plot, scattering in a meaningful location (following local regulations), or placement in a columbarium niche.

• Cremated remains can also be incorporated into memorial jewelry or other unique tributes.

• Generally, cremation can be less expensive than traditional burial due to the elimination of costs associated with a casket, burial vault, and often a cemetery plot.

• However, the total cost can vary depending on the chosen services, urn, and memorial options.

• No, cremation does not prevent families from holding a memorial service or celebration of life.

• These services can be held before or after the cremation and can take many different forms. Contact us for more details

• Reputable cremation providers like us at “The Tribute Funeral & Cremation Service” have strict identification procedures in place throughout the entire process.

• This often involves identification tags that accompany the deceased from the initial transfer until the cremated remains are returned.

No, two cremations cannot be legally and ethically performed at once in the same cremation chamber. We have strict procedures in place to track and identify remains throughout the entire cremation process, ensuring the integrity of the returned ashes.

Here's why:

• Legal Requirements: Most state and local regulations strictly mandate that only one body be cremated at a time in a cremation chamber. This is to ensure the proper identification and separation of remains.

• Ethical Considerations: Cremation providers have a strong ethical obligation to ensure the cremated remains returned to a family are solely those of their loved one. Cremating multiple individuals simultaneously would violate this trust and be deeply disrespectful.

• Practical Limitations: Modern cremation chambers are typically designed to accommodate only one adult body at a time. Attempting to cremate two bodies together would likely be physically impossible in most facilities.  

• Risk of Commingling: Even if it were physically possible, cremating two bodies together would inevitably lead to the commingling of remains, making it impossible to return individual ashes to the respective families. This is illegal and goes against industry standards.

• The cremation itself typically takes between one to three hours, depending on factors like the individual's size and bone density, as well as the temperature of the retort.

• This timeframe refers only to the heating process within the cremation chamber.

• This varies depending on local laws and the time needed to obtain necessary permits and complete paperwork, but it's typically a few days to a week.

• Contact us to explain the specific legal requirements and typical timelines.

• It usually takes a few days to a week after the cremation for the remains to be processed (cooled and pulverized) and prepared for return to the family.

• This timeframe can be influenced by the provider's workload and specific procedures.

• Obtaining the death certificate, securing the cremation permit, scheduling the cremation at the facility, and the processing time of the remains all contribute to the overall timeframe.

• Weekends and holidays can sometimes cause slight delays in these processes.

• While providers strive to be efficient, the legal and procedural requirements often dictate the minimum timeframe.

• It's best to discuss any urgent needs with the cremation provider, but immediate cremation is usually not possible.

• Once the cremation cycle is finished, the retort is allowed to cool down.

• The cremated remains are then carefully removed from the chamber.

• Non-organic materials like metal implants are typically removed from the cremated remains after the cremation process.

• These metals are often recycled appropriately, and families can sometimes inquire about the provider's specific procedures.

• Cremation providers will try to accommodate scheduling requests as much as possible, but specific dates and times may depend on their availability and operational schedule.

• It's best to discuss your preferences during the arrangement conference. Contact us for more details.

• Yes, the size and weight of the individual can influence the duration of the cremation cycle. Larger individuals may require more time and higher temperatures.

• Bone density can also play a role in the time needed for complete reduction.

• The turnaround time for receiving official copies of the death certificate after filing varies depending on the local vital records office.

• It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to receive the certified copies. The funeral home or cremation provider can often provide an estimate.