A complete guide to understanding the cremation process

Choosing how to say goodbye is a deeply personal decision. Many families now select cremation for its flexibility and simplicity. Understanding the cremation process can help demystify the experience and provide peace of mind. This guide explains each step, from preparation to the collection of ashes, ensuring you feel supported throughout.

The first step for many is weighing the benefits of a cremation or a burial. While burial provides a traditional focal point, cremation allows for more versatile memorial options. At SMCT, we offer comprehensive crematorium services in Melbourne at our world-class Springvale Botanical Cemetery and Bunurong Memorial Park locations, designed to honour these choices with dignity.

Many families ask about the preparation process to ensure their loved one is treated with the utmost respect. This process follows strict regulatory standards and professional care across all our Melbourne sites.

• Medical devices: Items like pacemakers must be removed as they can react dangerously to high temperatures.
• Personal items: Families may leave small, combustible items like letters or natural-fibre clothing with their loved one.
• Identification: A heat-resistant metal tag is assigned at the start. This stays with your loved one through every stage to ensure the remains returned to you are definitely theirs.
• The Coffin: The deceased is placed in a combustible coffin, ensuring they are never handled directly during the transition.

The cremation itself is a carefully controlled process, using heat to gently reduce the body to its basic elements.

• The Chamber: The coffin is placed into a specially designed, lined chamber.
• The Process: Temperatures between 800°C and 1000°C facilitate the transformation. Only one person is cremated at a time to maintain the integrity of the remains.
• Cooling and Preparation: After heating, a cooling period is required before remains are gathered. Once cooled, a magnetic field removes non-combustible items like coffin staples.
• Final Processing: Remaining elements are processed into a fine, uniform consistency suitable for a vessel or scattering.

While the transformation itself generally takes between 90 minutes and three hours, the exact duration depends on the individual and the specific materials used in the coffin's construction.

Beyond the heating phase, additional time is required for the remains to cool naturally and for the final meticulous processing. This ensures that every stage is handled with the precision and care your loved one deserves.

Once the process is finished, ashes are placed into a temporary box for collection. From there, we can assist with transferring or splitting the ashes into one of our permanent cremation urns available for purchase. Whether you prefer a decorative piece for the home, a biodegradable container, or a sturdy vessel for interment in a rose garden at Springvale or amongst native trees at Bunurong, there are many styles available. Please note we have specific requirements regarding external urns, so it is best to speak with our team when considering your cremation options.

We view our cemeteries as expansive botanical parklands designed for the living to celebrate and honour life. These vibrant green spaces invite families to linger and connect, supported by amenities like on-site cafes, florists, and playgrounds. Whether you are using our function rooms for a memorial or walking through the gardens, these parks provide a welcoming community setting to cherish memories together.

One of the greatest benefits of this choice is the time it gives families to consider their next steps without the pressure of immediate deadlines. Because the remains are portable, you have the flexibility to wait weeks or even months to decide on the right tribute.

If you are looking for specific inspiration, you can explore our 5 cremation ideas for ashes to find a tribute that resonates with your family. These options include:

• Tailored Memorials: Holding a personalised service in a meaningful location long after the cremation has occurred.
• Living Legacies: Placing remains within a rose garden or at the base of a memorial tree to create a vibrant, growing reminder.
• Permanent Placement: Establishing a physical place of rest at Springvale Botanical Cemetery or Bunurong Memorial Park.
• Scattering and Keepsakes: Returning remains to a beloved coastline or keeping a small portion close to home in memorial jewellery.

Deciding on the right tribute is a significant step in the healing journey. Whether you are planning for the future or need immediate assistance, our team is here to provide the guidance and care you deserve.

Contact our team today to discuss our memorial options or to arrange a tour of the peaceful grounds at Springvale Botanical Cemetery or Bunurong Memorial Park.