When a loved one dies, the disposition of their body is a complicated process. It involves many people.
A mortuary is an institution that provides funeral services and burial options. It also offers a place where a body can be kept until it’s ready to be buried or cremated.
Funeral services
When you lose a loved one, it can be difficult to know what to do. You may have to make a lot of decisions quickly and often on the spot.
You’ll want to do your research and make sure you choose a funeral home that you can trust with the arrangements. You can find the right funeral home for you by comparing prices, checking reviews and asking questions.
Once you’ve chosen the right funeral home, it’s time to meet with the director. This is called an arrangement conference and can be held at the funeral home, your house or over the phone.
During this meeting, you’ll select the services and merchandise you’d like for your loved one’s funeral. You’ll also receive a General Price List, which will contain prices for all the goods and services you choose.
Embalming
Embalming is the process of preserving a body to allow it to be prepared for funeral services. It is usually performed by a licensed embalmer, who must meet certain requirements and receive ongoing training.
The goal of embalming is to create a positive memory picture for those who will view the deceased after death. A positive final image allows grieving families to say goodbye in peace and comfort.
During the embalming process, the skeletal structure of the body is gently restored to a more natural and realistic appearance. This may include restoring a sunken face or hollow cheeks, closing wounds and bruises, and reshaping the mouth to achieve a more natural expression.
The embalming process can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on the chemicals used and the rate at which decomposition takes place. The body can then be placed in a casket or cremated.
Caskets
Caskets are a special part of the funeral process. They can help you memorialize your loved one in a meaningful way and allow family members to say their final goodbyes to the deceased.
There are many options when it comes to choosing a casket, including color, lining and other features. It is best to have an idea of what you want before visiting a casket showroom or funeral home.
When purchasing a casket, it is important to keep your budget in mind. There are several options that can add to the price of your casket, such as adding custom lid inserts or embroidered head panels.
Some models also offer memory drawers or hidden compartments, which can hold personal items like a photo or memento. They can be discreet and are great for allowing multiple people to share their favorite memories of your loved one.
Cremation
Cremation is a process of reducing a body to bone fragments using heat and flame. It is the traditional method of disposal and a growing alternative option for those who are concerned about burial.
The process begins by identifying the deceased and getting proper authorization. Next, the body is placed in a combustible container for transport to the crematory.
When the body is in the cremation chamber, it is heated to a temperature of over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The body is reduced to bone fragments and a variety of other inorganic material by the heat of the fire.
After the body has been reduced, the cremation chamber is cooled. Upon cooling, the bone fragments are processed with a device called a cremulator, which grinds them into fine, gritty ashes.
The ashes are returned to the family in a temporary urn or a permanent urn selected by the family. They can then be buried, interred in a cemetery, scattered or retained by the family.