What happens to the coffin before cremation?

Preparation for cremation The coffin is transferred onto an insertion trolley. Any item that may hinder the cremation process is removed such as metal handles. The nameplate is removed, and placed alongside the cremator, for identification throughout the process.

What happens to the coffin at the crematorium?

The coffin, the body and anything the person is wearing (including jewellery) will be cremated. The heat and duration of the process means that the only thing that are left are those that do not combust (burn) – bones and the metal parts e.g. metal nails from the coffin and false hips etc.

What happens to the coffin when the body is cremated?

The coffin is then labelled with a card prepared by the crematorium giving all the relevant information. This card will stay with the body from now on until the release of ashes back to the family. The coffin is placed in the cremator, which is a cubicle that will only allow for one standard sized coffin to fit.

Do they put covers on coffins at funerals?

Yes, always – as this Guardian account of the cremation and burial process confirms. Sometimes, re-usable covers are placed on the outside of a coffin to smarten it up during the funeral or committal ceremony.

What happens at the crematorium on the day of the funeral?

What happens at the crematorium on the day of the funeral? The coffin is brought in followed by the mourners. The coffin is placed on the catafalque (a raised and decorated platform). Then there is a service; either religious or secular (see below).

Do you need a coffin to be cremated in the UK?

The only hard and fast law about this in the UK is that a body must be covered up in public. In principle, coffins aren’t a legal requirement for cremation: a shroud or a coffin will do. In practice, however, you do usually need to be cremated in some kind of coffin, even if it’s made of something very simple,…