After cremation, families need clarity on timing, containers, and next steps. This guide explains how you’ll receive ashes, choice of urns, shipping methods, and legal considerations.
How Long Is The Cremation Process?
Bringing home your loved one’s ashes is as much an emotional moment as a practical one. Here’s a down-to-earth look at what typically happens—when you’ll get the ashes, how they’re packed, what containers you can choose, and what paperwork or shipping rules you should know.
Timeline for Receiving Ashes After Cremation
Paperwork & Permits
Before the cremation, someone (you or the funeral home) files the death certificate and cremation authorization with the county health department.
Cremation Itself
The actual process usually takes two to three hours.
Cooling & Processing
Once the remains have cooled, staff remove any metal fragments (like implant materials) and grind the bones into what we recognize as ashes. This step generally takes 24–48 hours.
Release to You
Depending on the crematorium’s workload, you can expect to collect or receive the ashes about 3–7 business days after the cremation date.
How Ashes Arrive After The Cremation Process
When they’re ready, ashes come in a temporary container—often a sturdy cardboard or plastic box labeled with your loved one’s name. That gives you time to pick out a special urn or keepsake before transferring them.
Picking Your Final Cremation Container
Metal Urns
Durable, classic keepsakes—brass and stainless are popular.
Wooden Urns
Warm, natural look; many are handcrafted.
Biodegradable Urns
Designed to break down in water or soil—great for scattering ceremonies.
Keepsake Jewelry
Tiny lockets or beads that hold a pinch of ashes.
Scattering Tubes
Simple, lightweight tubes made for releasing ashes into wind or water.
Sizing Tip: Measure roughly one cubic inch of space per pound of body weight. So, if your loved one weighed 150 lb, aim for an urn around 150 ci.
Pickup vs. Shipping Your Loved One’s Ashes
In-Person Pickup
Pros: You get them right away—no shipping delays or fees.
You’ll Need: A photo ID and the paperwork from the funeral home or crematorium.
Shipping by Mail
Rules: USPS allows cremated remains through Priority Mail Express in a rigid, sealed box.
How To:
- Mark the package “Cremated Remains.”
- Include a copy of the death certificate and cremation permit inside.
- Insure it for full value.
Timeline: Add 1–3 business days for transit, depending on where it’s going.
Legal & Safety Notes
Always Include Permits: Transport ashes with the death certificate copy and cremation authorization.
Traveling Across Borders: Check state or country rules if you’ll be moving ashes beyond your home region.
Flying with Ashes: Most airlines let you carry ashes on board in a sealed container—but double-check that carrier’s policy before you pack.
What Comes Next?
Once you have the ashes, decide how you’d like to honor your loved one:
Final Resting Place: Cemetery niche, scattering garden, memorial forest, or home display.
Ceremony: A small family gathering, a public scattering, or a formal service.
Long-Term Care: If the urn stays at home, choose a safe, special spot—perhaps on a mantle or in a dedicated keepsake area.
How quickly will I get the ashes?
Generally within 3–7 business days, depending on permits and the crematorium’s schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open the temporary container myself?
Yes—just be gentle and transfer the ashes into your chosen urn as soon as possible to avoid any spills.
Is shipping safe?
Absolutely, so long as you follow USPS or courier guidelines: rigid box, clear labeling, proper paperwork, and insurance.
Do I need a special urn to scatter?
You can use the temporary container, but scattering tubes or biodegradable urns give you more control and are kinder to the environment.
Knowing these steps helps you approach the process with confidence and respect. Whether you pick up the ashes in person or have them shipped, and whether you choose a traditional urn or a biodegradable option, you’ll be prepared to honor your loved one in the way that feels right.
See also: Where and How to Scatter Ashes, A Guide to Scattering Ashes in Arizona, 13 Heartfelt Things to Say When Scattering Ashes
