cremation services in Phoenix, AZ

You can View the Cremation But Here’s What You Should Know

A question cremation service providers in Phoenix, AZ, often get is, is it possible to have a viewing with cremation? The answer, for the most part, is yes.

It is an understandable question. For most people, viewing is one of the critical aspects of the funeral process. It can be a source of closure for family and friends, and choosing cremation is not a reason to give up this benefit.

If you are choosing cremation, here’s what you should know.

You can have a viewing before the cremation

An easy way is to have a viewing before the cremation, like an old-fashioned funeral. This is most applicable to traditional cremation.

For public viewing, the body goes through standard body preparation — embalming and dressing. You can have as many people as you wish, and the viewing can last a few days. But due to the cost of body preparation, this can be expensive.

A more affordable option is to have a viewing for a select few, usually close family members and friends, immediately after the death. There’s no need for cosmetic improvements in this type of viewing, and it is better suited for direct cremation.

You (and a small group) can witness the cremation

If you wish to take things further, some crematoriums allow family members to watch as the cremation takes place. This is known as Witness Cremation or Cremation Viewing.

The option is open to a limited number of people, usually immediate family members of the deceased. Many funeral homes and crematoriums also charge an extra fee for it.

Here’s how it works. The crematory provides a room with a large window for the group to watch as the staff work on the body.

Families can adequately identify their loved one, say their final goodbye, and observe as the operator places the body into a casket and loads it into the cremation chamber. Some facilities even allow a family member to push the button that starts the cremation.

That said, you can only witness the beginning of the cremation process. You can’t see inside the retort as the actual cremation takes place.

cremation services in Phoenix, AZOnce the casket is in the chamber, and the door is sealed, the viewing is over. The cremation process can last up to four hours. However, if the facility allows it, some families stay the entire time.

You should note that witnessing the cremation is vastly different from a traditional viewing before the cremation. While some might be fine watching the process unfold, others might find it jarring and overwhelming.

Hence, this is not an obligatory aspect of the cremation process. If you don’t feel comfortable watching, it’s okay to excuse yourself.

Hosting a viewing is a significant process for a crematory. If you wish to have one, make sure to give the funeral home a 48-hour notice. It will give them time to make the necessary arrangements.

And should you change your mind, let the funeral director know too.

Viewing the cremation depends on your budget and a Phoenix, AZ cremation service provider that appreciates the emotional value of the process. That’s us. Feel free to contact us if you need additional information or wish to make arrangements.

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