Do People Attend Cremations?
Do people actually attend cremations? Yes, people do attend cremations. There are various knowledge that you can learn about cremations, here we will explain you the parts of the cremation process, what happens during cremation, what should you wear during cremation, and many other things.
The Two Parts of Cremation You Should Understand
When we talk about cremation in Australia, there are two parts as follows:
1. The funeral service or memorial – This is what most people attend. It’s held at a crematorium chapel or funeral home, it is held before the actual cremation takes place.
2. The technical cremation process – This is the actual cremation itself, where few people can attend and see.
In Australia, most crematoriums allow a small group of family members to witness the actual cremation with added fee. But for most people, they will only attend the funeral service or memorial service.
Most people assume they’ll be watching the actual cremation, in reality, they’re attending a service similar to a traditional funeral, just with cremation to follow instead of burial.
What Happens at a Cremation Service?
If you’re wondering what happens at a cremation service, here is the explanation:
Cremation service usually lasts about 20-30 minutes, but families can arrange for longer service if needed. The service included in cremation are readings and eulogies, music whether its recorded or live, a moment of silence for the passed one, and also photo displays or videos celebrating the person’s life. When you arrive to a cremation service you will find that the coffin is already placed on a platform (called a catafalque) in the chapel and there will be seating for mourners and a celebrant or religious leader ready to conduct the service.
At the end of a cremation service, there is what’s known as the “committal” – the final goodbye. This varies between crematoriums but typically involves:
1. The coffin being taken away for cremation
2. Final words from the celebrant
3. Music playing as mourners exit
And thats all. The actual cremation usually takes place later that same day, with only close family members present if they choose to witness it.
How to Attend a Cremation in Australia?
If you’ve been invited to attend a cremation service, here’s how to attend a cremation:
1. Confirm details: Double-check the date, time, and location with the family or the funeral notice.
2. Arrive early: Aim to be there at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
3. Sign in: Most services have a condolence book to sign when you arrive.
4. Follow directions: Ushers will often guide you to appropriate seating.
5. Silence your phone and do not take pictures without permission
6. Follow along the service, standing or sitting as directed.
After the service, the family might invite attendees to a gathering at a home or restaurant. If there’s no formal gathering, its a good thing to say condolences directly to the family.
What Should I Wear to a Cremation?
Cremation dress codes are pretty similar to traditional funerals. Here is what should you wear to a cremation:
For men:
1. Dark suit (black, navy, or charcoal)
2. Clean, ironed shirt
3. Appropriate tie
4. Polished dress shoes
For women:
1. Dark-colored dress, suit, or pants with a formal top
2. Modest necklines and hemlines
3. Simple, understated jewelry
4. Formal shoes
A few definite don’ts:
1. No baseball caps or casual hats
2. Don’t use tracksuits or athletic wear
3. No flip flops
4. Don’t use clothes with slogans or bright patterns
But sometimes families specifically request colorful attire or casual dress to celebrate their loved one’s personality.
Can Children Attend Cremations?
There is nothing inappropriate about children attending a cremation service as long as they can keep quiet and still during the service.
What Happens After A Cremation?
For most attendees, after a cremation, usually you attend a gathering. For family members, there are things you will do:
1. You can collect the ashes of your loved ones usually 48 hours after cremation, usually the crematorium provides the ashes in a simple container or urn
2. Families then decide how to memorialize their loved one – through scattering, burial of ashes, keeping them at home, or creating A Living Legacy Tree,
What To Do With Cremation Ashes? Turn Ashes Into Living Legacy Trees
Something many people don’t realize about cremated remains is that they’re not actually like fireplace ashes. They’re primarily ground bone fragments with a high pH level (around 12, similar to bleach).
Because of this, scattering untreated ashes can sometimes harm plant life. One study found that untreated ashes killed 90% of seedlings within 21 days.
But there’s a beautiful alternative like Living Legacy Tree at Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens, where it uses a special treatment process to transform cremated remains into nutrients that can nourish trees.
Explore available trees to plant here!
The Living Legacy Ash Treatment neutralizes the harmful properties of ashes and turns them into beneficial microorganism like nitrogen and potassium. This allows a loved one’s remains to literally give life to a beautiful tree – a living, growing memorial that family can visit for generations.
It becomes a peaceful sanctuary of life and continues the circle of life even after death, and creates a positive touchpoint for your future generations to gather, reflect, and enjoy.
Thats Our Explanation For Do People Attend Cremations, We Hope We Can Help You
Remember that cremation is increasingly common in Australia, with over 65% of Australians are noe choosing this option over traditional burial. The ceremonies surrounding these services continue to evolve, often becoming more personalized and less formal than in previous generations.
Even with A Living Legacy Tree at Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens, you will gather with your family for a tree planting ceremony, with service and agenda similar to that of funeral service.
Interested to learn more about Living Legacy Tree? Contact us or click here!
