How Long Does It Take To Cremate A Body?

There are many questions families have when planning for cremation services in Nashville, TN. They want to know how the process takes place and what their loved ones will be wearing while they’re being incinerated. Some people also wonder if there is a chance that their family member’s ashes could get mixed up with someone else’s due to human error or even by accident.

But one of the most oft-asked questions for funeral homes that perform cremation services is: “How long does a cremation take?” Generally speaking, the answer is usually two or three hours. But it can vary depending on a number of factors. Here are some things that might cause a cremation to take shorter or longer than that.

Body size or weight

The size of a person plays an important role in how long their cremation will take. For those who are on the smaller side, it might only be two hours; but for those who have more height and weight to them, three or four hours is not uncommon.

Cremation container used

When your family chooses to use a casket for their loved one’s cremation, it can lead to the process itself taking much longer than usual. Some families opt out of these more expensive containers and choose something cheaper like traditional urns or even cardboard boxes – however, this would usually keep in line with what was chosen during burial as well.

Time of the day of the actual cremation

The time of day can have a huge impact on the cremation process. When people are cremated first thing in the morning, their bodies might not be as warm and it will take longer to cremate them than later during the day when they’re warmer and more pliable.

How a funeral home conducts cremations

Every funeral home has a different cremation process and that can have an effect on how long the procedure takes. This is something you should be aware of before agreeing to work with them because it could mean your loved one will take longer than they would otherwise if this were done at another location.

So, how long does it really take to cremate a body?

Depending on the location, the whole cremation process and procedure can take anywhere from 4-16 business days. There are some states that require a waiting period before a cremation can even take place. 

The actual cremation (burning of the dead body, turning them into ashes) can take about 3-4  hours, and processing the cremated remains takes another 2-3 hours.

When you trust the Cremation Society of Tennessee to perform your loved one’s cremation, you can rest assured knowing we’ll use a process that will ensure everything goes according to plan.

We’re a Nashville, TN funeral home that takes a lot of pride in our ability to offer the best cremation services in the business. 

Give us a call at (615) 302-4842 to set up cremation services for a loved one or take a trip down to 2014 Elmer Pogue Dr, Ste 102, Columbia, TN 38401 to speak with someone in person about the services we can extend to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bodies cremated with clothes on?

In most cases, the body of the person about to be cremated is placed in either a sheet or dressed in the clothing they are wearing when they arrive at the crematory. However, there are funeral homes and cremation providers that allow the option of dressing your loved one prior to direct cremation.

How is a body prepared for the cremation?

The body is bathed, cleaned, and dressed before identification. There is no embalming involved unless you want to have a public viewing before the cremation. Jewelry or other items or personal belongings of the deceased are also removed before the cremation process.

What happens to teeth during cremation?

If the teeth didn’t burn during the cremation process, they are ground down with other bone fragments during the processing of the ashes.

How does cremation work?

When a person dies, their body is usually cremated. Cremation is the process of reducing the body to its basic elements through the use of heat. The most common type of cremation uses a coffin or container, which is placed in a chamber where it is subjected to extremely high temperatures. This process usually takes around two hours to complete and results in the production of ashes. The ashes are then often scattered or buried. Some people choose to keep the ashes in an urn, which can be displayed in the home. Cremation is a popular choice for many people as it is generally less expensive than a traditional burial. It is also seen as a more environmentally-friendly option as it does not require the use of a casket or graveyard space.

How is a body prepared for a cremation?

Cremation is an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to be cremated after death. The process of cremation involves the use of high temperatures to reduce the body to its basic elements. In order to prepare a body for cremation, it must first be properly prepared. This typically includes bathing and dressing the body, as well as placing it in a casket or container. The casket or container is then placed in the cremation chamber, where it is exposed to intense heat. After several hours, the body is reduced to ashes, which are then collected and returned to the family. The entire process usually takes place within 24 hours.

How hot is a cremation chamber?

Cremation usually takes place in a facility known as a crematorium with a specially designed furnace known as a cremation chamber. During cremation, the furnace reaches temperatures around 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The intense heat of the cremation process helps to reduce the body to its basic elements. The cremated remains, also known as “ashes,” typically weigh between four and eight pounds. The actual time it takes for a body to be completely cremated can vary depending on the size and weight of the individual as well as the type of cremation chamber being used. However, most bodies can be fully cremated in two to three hours.