Cremation Service Containers

According to state law, all cremation services in Yardley, PA must place the body inside a cremation container before being put inside the cremation chamber. But what are cremation containers, and what do they do?

Cremation containers are large and sturdy boxes that hold the body during transportation to the chamber and during the cremation itself. Cremation containers can vary from simple cardboard boxes to more traditional caskets. There are a few different kinds of cremation containers, each with different intentions and needs. The main thing that they all have in common is that they are fully combustible, meaning they don’t have any parts that won’t melt or break down under extreme heat like decorations or metal handles.

With the many different options, how do you choose the right container for your lost loved one? The first step is being informed and knowing your options. Then you should take the deceased’s wishes into account, as well as what kind of cremation and service you are going to have. And, finally, get help when you need it.

• You start choosing the right kind of cremation container by going off of what you need. The most common kind of cremation container is a rigid cardboard box that is large enough to hold an average body. The purpose of the container is to provide a dignified means of storing the body prior to cremation and to literally contain the body while it is being prepared for cremation and when entering the retort. These common containers are simple and unadorned, making them budget friendly for those looking for an inexpensive option.
• Families can also choose to rent caskets for the funeral service and then use a common cremation container for the cremation itself. This is a good way to save money while also honoring the deceased with a more decorated casket. Rental caskets are kept sanitary with removable linings, shells and overlays that are used to hold the body in the rental as well as the cremation container.
• In some instances, the family wishes to spend a bit more money on a decorated cremation casket. This usually happens when there is going to be a viewing or service with the body present before the cremation. These cremation caskets are decorated with combustible or removable hardware and are often made from wood and natural materials like bamboo or wicker. Or, in some cases, the common cremation container isn’t an option, such as when the body is larger than average and requires a sturdier box.
• There are a few other kinds of cremation containers and caskets such as green caskets that are made from natural materials or Jewish caskets, called arons, that are specially made for Jewish funerals.

J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel offers Yardley, PA cremation services from 41 W Trenton Ave Morrisville, PA 19067. Please stop by and visit us or give us a call at (215) 295-7725 to learn more about what we can do to help you in your time of loss.