Have you ever wondered about cremations and burial funerals in Perth? Below are some questions we at Seasons Funerals are often asked in relation to this topic.

How many people in Perth use cremations?

Approximately 70% of people in Perth choose cremations.

This figure rises to around 80% when extended to the whole of Western Australia. As well as being a cheaper option than funeral burial, cremations are also a popular funeral choice for environmental reasons, as valuable land is not taken up with a burial plot.

Are cremations dearer than burial funerals?

As a general rule, cremations cost less than burials funerals. Seasons Funerals team members will be able to advise precise funeral costs and funeral packages depending on your funeral service requirements.

Where do cremations take place in Perth?

Perth has three crematoriums ­ at Karrakatta Cemetery, Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park and Fremantle Cemetery.

Are there any religious groups which forbid cremations to their members?

Yes. Cremations are forbidden by Islam, most Orthodox faiths, and some other religions. However, most Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, allow cremation funerals.

It is the preferred funeral method for Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists.

What religious ceremony can I have?

Standard service cremations are the same as a burial service apart from the form of committal. You are welcome to chat to someone from Seasons Funerals Perth to discuss funeral packages which meet your funeral requirements.

The funeral service may take place in one’s own church, in one of our Seasons Funerals private chapels , or at a crematorium chapel. Alternatively the whole funeral service may be conducted elsewhere, without a service at the crematorium.

You may arrange your own religious representative to conduct the funeral service or we can help find someone for you.

Do I have to sign anything to receive the ashes afterwards?

If you are the administrator for the funeral, the next of kin, or someone authorised by either to do so, you will be asked to complete an application for cremation and crematorium authority forms. You will also be asked to indicate your intention regarding disposal of the cremated remains e.g. whether they will be scattered or interred.

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

On the day of the funeral, the coffin is brought into the chapel and placed on the catafalque (committal table) prior to the mourners entering and taking their seats.

At the appropriate time during the service the coffin may be removed from view by either closing of the curtains or committal of the coffin.

At the end of the service the mourners leave the chapel and enter the condolence lounge to pay their respects.

What happens to the coffin after the service?

The coffin is withdrawn into a committal room where the nameplate of the coffin is checked with the order to cremate , this ensures correct identity. The coffin is then identified with a label giving all the relevant information. This identification stays with the coffin until the final disposal of the cremated remains. Great care is taken with this process.

Does the cremation take place immediately, or are the coffins stored up until a number are ready to be cremated?

The deceased is cremated as soon as possible after the service.

Is the coffin cremated with body?

Yes.

What happens about handles and other fittings?

A crematorium may remove handles and fittings due to the adverse effect the chemical composition can leave on cremation chambers, and also because licenses issued by the Environment Protection Authority necessitate this.

Any handles and fittings are removed and destroyed.

What about precious metals and other metals?

The temperature at which a modern cremator operates (700° C ­ 1,000° C ) as such that metals are fused together with other materials so that they are not recognisable and have no salvage value.

Any metallic material resulting from a cremation is disposed of in accordance with the instruction of the cremation authority (usually by burial within the crematorium grounds).

Is more than one coffin cremated at one time in a cremator?

No. The only exceptions permitted to this rule may be in the case of a mother and a baby or twin children. In these instances, permission is sought from the relevant authority prior to cremation.

How can I be sure I get the right cremation ashes?

Each coffin is identified on arrival at the crematorium and the identity label is placed on the outside of the cremator as soon as the coffin is placed into it.

The labels stays with the cremated remains until they are placed in a container which is also suitably identified. As each cremation chamber will only accept one coffin and the remains must be withdrawn before the cremator is used again, all remains are kept separate throughout the process.

All cremations in Western Australia are controlled by state and local governments, who ensure everything is conducted in a proper manner.

Can I keep the cremated remains if I want, or must I dispose of them?

In most instances disposal of the remains is the responsibility of the administrators of the estate.

They may keep the cremated remains in an urn if they so wish or they may arrange a memorial, which provides a place where family and friends can pay their respects. Seasons Funerals has a number of chapels around Perth to meet these needs if required.

If you have any other questions about the cremation process, please do not hesitate to contact Seasons Funerals in Perth on 1800 732 766 or info@seasons.com.au.