How long do crematorium services last?

Burials are traditionally preceded by funeral services. However, this is not necessarily the case with cremations. Many families choose to mourn the loss of a loved one in private, while some hold memorial services or wakes.

A traditional crematorium service usually last between 20 to 30 minutes, whereas a Catholic Church funeral mass takes 45 minutes. The time- period can be adjusted to meet client wishes. Funeral services also include the time it takes mourners to enter the crematorium and pay their final respects to the deceased.

The crematorium service procedure sees everyone gather outside the chapel. When the family is ready, the person leading the service and coffin pallbearers will enter the chapel, followed by the grieving family and attending mourners. The actual cremation takes place after everyone leaves the chapel.

Coping with a death in the family

The death of a loved one is a traumatic time in anyone’s life. It is an experience we all must endure at some stage, but it is not an event to face alone. That is why there are experts who make this a comforting and seamless transition.

There are several options when bidding your loved one a final farewell. Traditional funerals still take place, but as the world population grows and land space shrinks, alternatives to burials are growing in popularity.

A Humanist Funeral

A humanist funeral is a non-religious ceremony to bid farewell to and celebrate the life of the loved one. Humanist funerals usually follow the same structure as religious funerals, with eulogies, music and readings, but without following any particular faith. A humanist funeral is a fitting way to support families bidding farewell to someone who has lived without religion. These ceremonies focus on the life of the loved one, the relationships created, and the legacy left behind.

Other Funeral Alternatives

Direct cremations are becoming more popular as an affordable and no-frills alternative to a traditional funeral. Apart from being cost-effective, families can organise private memorial gatherings and request donations in lieu of flowers to the deceased’s favourite charity. A direct cremation eliminates a funeral ceremony and, instead of attending a chapel service, mourners can gather at a venue chosen by the family to celebrate the life of the deceased. With a direct cremation, the crematorium collects the deceased and conducts an immediate cremation without a service.

Ash scattering ceremonies is another alternative to a standard funeral. Families arrange for friends and relatives to meet at a place previously loved by the deceased whose ashes are then scattered in the area.

Tree planting ceremonies are also a popular alternative to a traditional funeral. Mourners feel that by mixing the ashes of the deceased with the soil used to plant the tree gives a life-form to the departed. Name plates are often also placed at the base of the tree.

Celebration of life gatherings – like the Irish wakes – are also gaining in popularity. Instead of a somber service, celebrants gather socially, often at a pub to play the deceased’s favourite music and to drink the deceased’s favourite tipple.

Funeral etiquette

There are several common-sense and acts of human decency that dictate funeral etiquette.

• Switch your phone off. The intrusion of a phone call during a gathering to mourn a deceased is nothing short of bad manners.
• Do not eat or drink during a funeral service. As ludicrous as this may sound, it does happen.
• In the absence of a dress code, avoid wearing athletic gear such as tank tops and shorts. Also, do not wear footwear such as sneakers and flip-flops. Other no-nos are any items of bright clothing and jeans.

Ultra-modern crematorium

Many mourners are selecting to use the ultra-modern crematorium at Chase & District Memorial Park in the West Midlands. The crematorium features the latest technological advances and was completed in mid-2022. Families can lay their loved ones to rest at the Memorial Park or elect to have the ashes returned within 48 hours and proceed with their own memorial services or life celebration gatherings. The facility offers every type of funeral service, from the scattering of ashes to tree-planting memorials and burial plots. The Chase & District Memorial Park is a peaceful haven near the M6 Toll and the A452, close to the environmentally friendly Chasewater Country Park.

Chase & District Memorial Park also provides a modern and attractive chapel that can seat 35 people. There is a PA system and lectern, and the chapel is also used for crematorium services. Families can live stream the event to people in all corners of the globe.