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FAQs on Cremation

FAQs on Cremation

Perhaps you’re confused about who can authorize a cremation, or need to know more about a direct cremation service. We invite to start with this list of commonly asked questions.

If you still have questions, please call us at (410) 777-5295. We’ll take all the time you need to fully answer your question, proving this simple truth: we are the leading provider of direct cremation service in Maryland because we provide families with the cremation services–and the answers–they’re looking for.



What is cremation?

What is cremation?

Cremation is the process that reduces dead human remains to approximately 3-9 pounds of cremated remains or cremains and it accomplishes this by exposing the body to intense heat and flame for a 2-3 hour duration at temperatures of approximately 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit. After the cremation, the cremated remains are mechanically processed until they have the consistency of very course sand or gravel.

What is direct cremation?

What is direct cremation?

A direct cremation is just that...a direct cremation. There are no services with the body present prior to the cremation, the body is not prepared in any way, and an alternative container is used instead of a casket.

Is a casket required for a cremation service?

Is a casket required for a cremation service?

At our funeral home, your loved one will be placed in a corrugated cremation container for the cremation process. No additional casket is required to be purchased. 

Is embalming required for a direct cremation service?

Is embalming required for a direct cremation service?

No, embalming is not required for direct cremation.

Do I have to buy an urn for the cremains?

Do I have to buy an urn for the cremains?

The cremated remains, otherwise known as cremains, will be returned to you in a standard, temporary scattering container, which is a black plastic box, with a hinged lid that will be placed inside a white cardboard box. If the cremated remains are being kept at home in a place of honor, or placed in a glass-front niche in a cemetery columbarium, you may wish to select an urn from our urn catalog.

How can I ship my loved one’s cremains?

How can I ship my loved one’s cremains?

Cremated remains can ONLY be shipped using the U.S. Postal Service. Cremated remains cannot be shipped via FedEx, UPS, DHL, or any other carrier.

Can I have a visitation and a cremation?

Can I have a visitation and a cremation?

We offer a visitation where family and friends can spend time with their loved one at our funeral home, prior to the cremation. We also offer a memorial service where family and friends can gather at our funeral home after the cremation has taken place. The family can choose whether to have the cremains present at the memorial service. Another option available is witnessing of the cremation, where the family can witness the start of the cremation process.

Who can authorize a cremation?

Who can authorize a cremation?

Usually the immediate next-of-kin (a spouse for example) will make the necessary arrangements and pay for the services. If the spouse is deceased, then the children would step forward. In some jurisdictions, a cousin or even a friend can make cremation and final disposition arrangements. If you are unsure about who should make the arrangements, contact us.

Can I scatter the cremated remains of my loved one in a public park?

Can I scatter the cremated remains of my loved one in a public park?

Many people think they can scatter the cremated remains of a loved one anywhere they want. But, there are regulations which need to be followed – and every state, city or county is different. So, it’s smart to check local laws or ordinances before attempting to scatter cremated remains anywhere. Please ask us if you would like a copy of Maryland’s scattering regulation.

What choices for memorialization are available with cremation?

What choices for memorialization are available with cremation?

Your family may choose from a full selection of beautiful, personalized urns for permanent containment of the cremated remains. The urn may then be placed in a columbarium or in-ground in a family lot. In many cemeteries, there are also areas specifically designed for this purpose, which are called urn gardens.

Is a funeral director necessary with cremation?

Is a funeral director necessary with cremation?

In Maryland, any form of final disposition requires the services of a funeral director, to include cremation.

Is embalming necessary with cremation?

Is embalming necessary with cremation?

No, embalming is not required prior to cremation.

Simplicity Cremation & Funeral Services | (410) 777-5295
244 8th Avenue NW, Glen Burnie, MD 21061

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