Cremation is the process of reducing the body to its inorganic elements by means of intense heat. The ashes or remains are then placed in a container, usually an urn, and are either memorialized at a cemetery, retained by a family member, or scattered in a private or public place (please note that there are certain restrictions on the scattering of remains in public places). Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for disposition. People choose cremation for different reasons, environmental, religious, and philisophical. Friends or relatives can usually make arrangements with the cremation service provider to witness the cremation.

When choosing to memorialize cremated remains at a cemetery there are several options. Many cemeteries have columbariums which are special rooms usually inside of a mausoleum or chapel which are comprised of niches, or small compartments inside of which an urn is placed. A columbarium may also be outdoors. Cremated remains can be memorialized in a traditional manner as well where the urn is placed inside of a casket and entombed below ground with a marker placed above the grave.

Any type of memorial or funeral service may still be held to honor the deceased. The service may take place before or after the cremation. The body may be embalmed or prepared for viewing at a service that would preceed the cremation. When the cremation is done before the service, the remains are usually placed in the urn which may then be displayed. In some cases special ceremonies are held when remains are scattered outdoors.