Although many people see the cremation and the funeral service in two different places and in two very different ways, you can have Kentucky cremation services and funeral services in the same location and as one single memorial event. As this option is not as popular as the separate funeral service either preceded or followed by cremation services in Kentucky, it will require a bit of additional planning.
One of the first things that you should do, if you want to consider having your funeral or memorial service at Kentucky cremation services, is to talk with the funeral director or the crematory staff. If you are doing a direct cremation where the body will not be processed by a funeral home you would speak directly to the crematory staff. You will need to have permission to remove the body from the proper authorities before you can arrange for transportation. When using a funeral home this service is included in the quoted funeral and cremation costs in Kentucky as part of the package or individual services you elect to use. Transporting of the body is also included in Kentucky cremation costs unless you request an alternative option for transporting the body.
Timing for Kentucky Cremation Services
Under Kentucky law a body has to be refrigerated or embalmed if it is not cremated or buried within 24 hours after death. Refrigeration or embalming, which will be included in the Kentucky cremation costs, will greatly extend the length of time that the body can be help prior to any type of service. While this is not pleasant for the family to have to consider, it is a legal requirement for health and safety reasons.
For families that wish to have visitation or viewing at the crematory embalming can be arranged and will also make an open casket possible if you choose a service. Not all services require an open casket or the casket to be present, some families may choose to attend the cremation and then, at a later date, have a memorial service. This latter option will not change the cremation costs in Kentucky as would be arranged, planned and held by the family separate from the cremation service.
Is the Casket Cremated with the Body?
It is possible for the body to be cremated with a casket of the family's choice; however it can be a major addition to the cremation costs in Kentucky. If the body is to be present at a religious or non-religious ceremony before the cremation a rental casket may be an option to consider. This allows a beautiful presentation of the loved one in the casket but does not require the purchase of a casket.
Just prior to the cremation the body is moved from the decorative casket and placed in a cremation container. This is a specially designed casket-like container that is completely broken down in the cremation process. There are very low in price compared to a casket and are designed specifically for the cremation process.
Can the Actual Process be Viewed by the Family?
Many crematories have a viewing room or a witness room that is provided for the family. This room is separate from the area where the cremation is occurring but allows the family to watch the initiation of the cremation process. The family can watch the cremation container entering into the crematory chamber. It is moved along a flat conveyer belt into the chamber and it may be open or it may be closed, depending on the family's wishes. This will all be described when you talk to the staff about Kentucky cremation services and options. The family does not have to view this is they do not choose to do so.
The family may choose to do this as part of a tradition, in paying respects to the deceased or to say their final goodbyes. The cremation container may also be behind curtains and typically curtains will close over the casket just before the door opens. This is not the crematory chamber; this will be located a distance further along the conveyer that is moving the cremation container.
Processing of the Ashes
Your loved one will be placed into the cremation chamber until the process is completed. The cremains will be removed and any metal removed, then the bone fragments will be processed to a uniform size, similar to coarse sand. Any jewelry or metal will be removed as it will be melted and unrecognizable. Cremation services in Kentucky are very careful in preserving the ashes and ensuring that they are provided to the family.
It can be difficult to understand all the different options offered with cremation services in Kentucky. We are here to explain the process to you with compassion and understanding so you can choose the cremation services in Kentucky that are right for your loved one.