Understanding the Process of Cremations in St. Louis, MO
Cremation Society of Missouri offers dignified and affordable cremation services in St. Louis, MO and the surrounding area. Since 1935, our mission is to serve families in their time of need at the best of our ability every, single time. We offer low-cost and simple packages, designed to give you everything you need without any hidden cost. You are in complete control. You decide if and when you have services or a gathering with friends. There are no set timetables and we can assist you with life celebration options. No matter where you live, or when a death occurs, you have the peace of mind of knowing you have chosen a trusted professional. Give us a call today at (636) 946-9896 for more details.
Are you considering making final arrangements using cremations in St. Louis, MO? If so, you are not the only one. This type of body disposition has become increasingly popular and likely for many good reasons. However, a substantial contributing factor to the cremation uptick is likely the environment. Cremation certainly is not without an ecological impact, but compared to traditional burial methods and corpse preparation, it can be an attractive alternative.
For instance, the use of highly caustic and toxic chemicals for the embalming process to preserve and cleanse the deceased’s body is starting to give many people pause. Additionally, the limited availability of cemetery space, especially in densely populated areas, can make traditional burials expensive and crowded. Lastly, interment via traditional means often includes bulky caskets and vaults frequently made with synthetic components and materials that are particularly unsuited to timely biodegradability.
Many legal regulations govern the practice of cremation to protect the deceased and their families. Since cremation is a total alteration of the body, there should be verifiable ways to keep track of the identity of the remains at each step of the process. Additionally, the nature of cremation means it is irreversible. Because of this, all mandatory waiting periods and permit requirements must be fulfilled before the procedure can begin. The corpse will be held in cold storage until the process can commence.
When the time arrives for the scheduled cremation, only one body will be processed at a time. First, the body of the deceased individual will be cleaned and dressed as desired. In most cases, the remains will then be set within a cremation casket—a lightweight, hard-sided, flammable container. This casket assures privacy and dignity for the deceased throughout the procedure. Finally, the filled casket is placed inside the cremation chamber and fully secured.
Intense heat is targeted into the chamber space, rapidly resulting in fire taking hold of the corpse. The flames typically take about two hours or less to burn through. The remnants left after the burning phase is complete consist of portions of the bones that did not burn. These pieces are the most rigid tissues not prone to the natural decay process. The bone fragments are then ground into specks, collectively known as ‘ashes’ or ‘cremains.’
Why Direct Cremations in St. Louis, MO Can Result in Substantial Cost Savings
Cremation can be offered with honoring ceremonies and events such as a full funeral service or a memorial life celebration. However, a direct cremation may be the way to go if you want the lowest cost and reliable, secure, dignified solutions. With a direct cremation service, there is no planning or completion of a public goodbye or honoring service connected to the procedure.
How does this save money? If you order a simple cremation, you pay far less time and coordination of the funeral director’s time and attention. Consumers are sometimes surprised to learn that morticians and their staff can spend as many as 40+ hours preparing and completing a single funeral. That is why the costs are significantly higher than direct cremation options.
Low-cost cremation also lends itself to less expensive disposition solutions since you can avoid fees associated with casketing, vaults, and cemetery costs. Headstone markers pose an additional expense that needs to be considered if you go with a more traditional burial route. Caring for the body in a dignified and affordable way is possible with professional cremations in St. Louis, MO, at Cremation Society of Missouri.
Know Your Options: What to Do with Cremated Remains
Ashen remains that result from cremations can be memorialized in a variety of ways. Some exceptionally unique and creative means have been used in the disposition of cremated bodies. Here are three beautiful and standard solutions to get you started:
Scattering the Ashes in Natural Settings: Returning the cremated body to the earth through scattering is a cathartic and often meaning-filled practice. Ashes can be placed in many settings, such as a body of water, a mountain scape, a picturesque meadow, or a forest grove. Acquiring the necessary permissions and permits is crucial if you do not own the land.
Home Display of Cremated Remains: Some families find comfort in the idea of having a small part of them depart close by permanently. Keeping the ashes on display in a secure urn may be the perfect solution.
Traditional Above or Below-Ground Burial of Cremains: Of course, it works well to have the cremated body buried in a traditional burial site, either in an urn plot or in a columbarium niche.
Make Immediate or Future Direct Cremation Plans
Plans for direct cremation can be made at need but may also be arranged long beforehand. If you are ready to make these respectful deathcare arrangements with cremations in St. Louis, MO, call the professionals at Cremation Society of Missouri by dialing (636) 946-9896 now. Our facility is located at 2338 Highway 94 South Outer Rd, Saint Charles, MO 63303.
Funeral Home & Cremations FAQs
What are the types of cremation?
Cremation is the process of reducing a human body to its basic elements with heat. The most common type of cremation uses a chamber that heats the body until it is reduced to ashes. This type of cremation is typically done using an incinerator, which reaches temperatures between 1400-1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Another type of cremation, known as alkaline hydrolysis, uses a mixture of water and chemicals to break down the body. This process typically takes place at temperatures between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. While both types of cremation are effective in reducing the body to its basic elements, alkaline hydrolysis is generally considered to be gentler and more efficient than incineration. Learn more about different cremation options that fit the wishes of the loved one who passed away.
What is green flameless cremation?
Green flameless cremation is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation. In traditional cremation, the body is placed in a coffin and turned to ashes in a furnace. The process releases harmful chemicals and pollutants into the atmosphere. Green flameless cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, uses a water-based solution to break down the body. The process is gentle and does not release any harmful emissions into the air. As a result, green flameless cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to reduce their impact on the environment. Know your options, call your cremation service provider and learn more.
How much does cremation service cost in Missouri?
In Missouri, the cost of cremation services will vary depending on several factors. These include the type of cremation service that is chosen, the size and weight of the individual being cremated, and any additional services that are requested. For basic cremation services, prices typically start at around $600. However, if you wish to add on extras such as a viewing or memorial service, the price will increase. The average cost of a complete cremation package in Missouri is between $1,500 and $2,000. Of course, the final cost will also depend on the funeral home or crematory that you choose. It is always best to talk to a funeral director for the exact quotation.
