When a loved one passes away, it is natural to have questions. Many people find themselves wanting to understand what happens during the cremation process – especially those for whom understanding brings a quiet kind of comfort.

It’s about making choices that honour your loved one’s wishes. It’s reassurance that they are being cared for with gentleness and respect. And for many, it’s part of how they cope with loss.

Helping You Resolve Unanswered Questions

Cremation is now the choice of around 70% of Australians. Yet despite how common it has become, the process is rarely talked about openly. Many families carry unanswered questions they weren’t sure how to ask.

At Hetherington Funerals, we respect your need for clarity in a difficult time. Our role as funeral directors is to support you and your family through the cremation process in Perth, so nothing feels uncertain or overwhelming.

How Does Cremation Work? Cremation Steps Explained

The Cremation Process At a Glance

• Step 1: Paperwork and documentation to secure approval for cremation

• Step 2: Preparing your loved, including clothing and personal items

• Step 3: Placing in the coffin or casket of your choosing

• Step 4: Entering the cremation chamber

• Step 5: Processing the remains to create what you know as ‘ashes’

• Step 6: Returning the cremated remains

• (Optional) Step 7: Scattering the remains, holding a service, or memorialising your loved one another way

While every farewell is unique, what happens during the cremation process follows a respectful and carefully managed sequence. Every step is carried out by experienced, compassionate professionals. From the moment your loved one enters our care to the time their ashes are returned to you, nothing is rushed, and no detail is overlooked.

Step 1: Paperwork and Legal Documentation

Before cremation can proceed, the appropriate legal documentation must be in place. In Western Australia, this includes a death certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner and a Permit to Cremate under the Cremation Act 1929 (WA).

We know that paperwork may be the last thing on your mind. Part of the role of Hetherington Funerals is to help you by liaising with medical practitioners, the WA Department of Justice (also known as Births, Deaths and Marriages), and the crematorium. That way, you can focus on being with the people you love.

Step 2: Care and Preparation of Your Loved One

Your loved one is brought into our care and respectfully prepared. An identification tag remains with them throughout the entire process. This is something we take seriously as a sign of care and professionalism.

Personal belongings and jewellery are removed and returned to you, unless other arrangements have been made. Depending on your wishes, they may be dressed in chosen clothing, and personal items such as letters or photographs can often be placed with them. 

Embalming is not required for cremation, though it can be arranged if you wish to hold a viewing.

Step 3: Placement in the Cremation Coffin or Casket

Your loved one is placed in a cremation coffin or casket. These are designed specifically for cremation, using wood, cardboard, or another approved combustible material. 

Items such as metal fittings, glass, or battery-operated devices cannot be included, as they are not safe for the cremation chamber.

Many families like to place something meaningful alongside their loved one: a flower, a handwritten letter, a photograph. Your funeral director will let you know what is permitted, and will make sure any cultural, faith-based, or personal wishes are honoured wherever possible. 

Step 4: The Cremation Chamber

The coffin is transferred to the crematorium, where the cremation takes place in a specialised chamber heated to approximately 760–1,150°C. The process typically takes between two and three hours.

While this part of the process is rarely seen, families can feel reassured that it is conducted with care and respect, and in full compliance with Western Australian law. Strict identification procedures are in place, and only one individual is cremated at a time. For those families who so desire, a “Viewing the Charging” experience can be organised with the Metropolitan Cemetery Board (the government body that controls the cemeteries in WA).

In Perth, cremations take place at accredited crematoriums, including Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park, Karrakatta Cemetery, Fremantle Cemetery, and Rockingham Regional Memorial Park. Hetherington Funerals works closely with all these institutions.

Step 5: Processing the Remains

Once the cremation is complete, the chamber is left to cool. Any remaining material that cannot be reduced, such as surgical implants or joint replacements, is separated and generally handled through specialist recycling programs.

What remains are bone fragments, which are gently processed into a fine, uniform consistency. This is what we call ‘ashes,’ though ‘cremated remains’ or ‘cremains’ is a more correct term. The remains are placed into a sealed container, ready for you to collect.

Step 6: Returning the Cremated Remains

The final step in what happens during the cremation process is returning the remains. These are placed into a temporary container or an urn of your choosing, which you collect along with a certificate of cremation. This is usually ready within a few days.

Please note that the person who signed the authorisation paperwork is required to collect the ashes, or to provide written permission for someone else to do so. Your funeral director will make sure you know exactly what to expect and what identification to bring.

How Families Are Involved in the Cremation Process in Perth

A common concern is whether choosing cremation means missing out on a meaningful farewell. Rest assured that it does not mean forgoing ceremony or the chance to gather and grieve together.

Families can hold a funeral service before the cremation, with the coffin present at a chapel, church, or another meaningful setting. This can include music, a eulogy and readings, flowers, and cultural or religious funeral traditions.

A private viewing can also be arranged for those who wish to say goodbye in their own quiet way. And for families spread across different cities or countries, it is also possible to hold a memorial after the ashes have been returned, including the option for funeral live streaming for those who cannot attend in person.

What to Do With Your Loved One’s Ashes

Once the cremated remains have been returned, there is no need to decide anything straight away. You can decide what to do with your loved one’s ashes in your own time.

When you are ready, options include:

• Keeping the ashes at home in a decorative urn
• Scattering them somewhere meaningful
• Interment in a cemetery niche
• Keepsake jewellery, a living tribute, or something else personal

In Western Australia, scattering is generally permitted, although some locations may require permission. Your funeral director will help you when the time feels right.

Our Family is Here for Yours

We understand that reading about what happens during the cremation process can stir a great deal of emotion. We want you to know that there is no obligation in reaching out, and no question is too small or too tender to ask.

Hetherington Funerals has been caring for Perth families for more than 25 years. As a family-owned funeral company, we do not see our work as simply managing a process. We see it as walking alongside you with care, patience, and genuine compassion, guiding you through one of life’s most difficult moments.

Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us on 1300 554 300 – we’re here whenever you need us. You can also make an online enquiry, and we will be in touch promptly.