When someone you love dies, understanding what happens next can offer a small measure of comfort. You may already be familiar with the traditions of burial, but cremation, while just as respectful, is often less well understood.
In this article, we’ll explain how a body is typically prepared for cremation, what happens at each stage, and the steps taken to care for your loved one with dignity every step of the way.
Caring for someone after death
When someone passes away, the kindness and respect we show them shouldn’t just stop. It’s still really important to treat their body with dignity and care.
When a body is prepared for cremation, here’s what usually happens:
If your loved one was a registered organ donor, any approved organ donations will be carried out first.
Within a few hours of death, the nursing team will gently lay the person on their back, straighten their limbs, and support their head with a pillow. The eyes are usually closed using light pressure. Their face and hands may be cleaned, hair combed, and dentures placed in a container. Any medical devices, such as hearing aids, are removed, and the mouth is carefully cleaned. These small acts of care help your loved one appear at peace and allow for a dignified viewing if one is planned.
Finally, the body is gently cleaned, then dressed in a simple gown before being transferred to the mortuary. In some cases, family members or carers may choose to be involved in this care, especially if it holds cultural or personal significance.
In a care home setting, similar care is given. However, the removal of some medical items may be left to the funeral director.
If your loved one dies at home, what happens next depends on the circumstances and your wishes. The first step is to have the death verified by a qualified professional. This might be a GP, paramedic or nurse. A funeral director cannot attend until this verification is complete.
What does a funeral director do?
Once informed, the funeral director will come to collect your loved one, either from the place of death or the mortuary if the Coroner is involved. They will take care of your loved one in a temperature-controlled environment until the cremation.
Transfer of the deceased
From the moment of collection, the focus is on dignity and care. Your loved one will be gently placed in a body bag or waterproof sheet, then onto a stretcher that’s fully covered during the journey to the funeral home.
Whether the vehicle is a private ambulance or hearse, the process is discreet, respectful, and handled by trained staff.
Personal preparation after death
Typically, embalming isn’t done for cremation. This process involves replacing bodily fluids with a preservative, which can help maintain appearance but may add to the cost.
Jewellery is usually removed and kept safe. You can decide whether you want it returned to the family or cremated with your loved one. Just keep in mind that anything left on the body, like jewellery, likely won’t survive the cremation.
Meticulous record keeping
Every stage of care is carefully recorded. From the hospital or nursing staff to the funeral team, all actions are documented. These records are essential for completing official documents and ensuring everyone involved knows what has been done and by whom.
If you choose Pure Cremation, our team will guide you through what needs to happen after a death, including key steps and important documentation.
What happens before the cremation?
Before the cremation takes place, there are certain preparations to ensure safety. The funeral director will remove or deactivate any items that could be unsafe during cremation, such as pacemakers or insulin pumps. Some implants can stay in place, and those will be taken out of the ashes afterwards and recycled.
These careful preparations help ensure everything is carried out in line with safety and environmental standards.
Pure Cremation’s approach to care
We believe that every person deserves dignity and respect, no matter what type of funeral they choose. That’s why we created the UK’s first Direct Cremation Code of Practice, to set the bar for quality and care in this increasingly popular option.
From the moment your loved one is in our care, we treat them as we would our own. Every transfer, every record, and every moment of care is delivered with professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail.
How do you know the ashes are really theirs?
It’s a question many families ask—and rightly so. Cremation is always carried out one person at a time, and there are strict systems in place to ensure the ashes you receive are those of your loved one.
At Pure Cremation, we go beyond the industry standard by using a hospital-style digital tracking system. Each step is recorded and verified by named staff members. A ceramic disc, engraved with a unique code, is placed with the coffin and accompanies the body into the cremation chamber. This disc is retrieved afterwards and returned with the ashes, providing tangible proof of identity.
Frequently asked questions
Does a body get drained before cremation?
No, the body isn't really "drained." When someone gets embalmed, it's just a way to replace natural fluids with a preservative liquid if that's what they want. But it's not something that's done routinely; it's optional.
Are clothes left on during cremation?
Yes, the body stays dressed inside the coffin. But things like shoes and clothes made from certain synthetic materials, like PVC, need to be taken off.
Is the coffin cremated too?
Yes, the coffin plays a key role in the cremation process. It keeps things safe for the staff, serves as a respectful container, and also helps with the fuel needed for the cremation.
How long does cremation take?
Typically, the whole process takes about 90 minutes, but things like your bone structure or medical history can change that a bit.
If you’ve just lost someone or are thinking about making plans for the future, we’re here to help. We understand that knowing what happens can help you feel more at ease during tough times. If you need more information or just want to chat, you can give our friendly team a call for free on 0800 470 23 93.
