What Happens at the Crematorium? A Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Perth Families (2025 Guide)

For many families, the cremation process can feel unfamiliar and sometimes overwhelming simply because it is not widely discussed. At Mayfair Funeral Directors Perth, we believe that calm, clear knowledge helps families feel reassured and confident in the decisions they make. Families may also wish to review cremation costs in Perth on our service pages for transparent pricing and available options.

This guide explains what happens at a crematorium in Western Australia step by step, so you know exactly what to expect whether you are choosing direct cremation, an intimate cremation service, or a full chapel farewell arranged through cremation services in Perth.

Where Cremations Take Place in Perth

Cremations in the Perth metropolitan region take place at licensed cremation facilities operated primarily by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board or other approved crematoria. These facilities include Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park, Karrakatta Cemetery, Fremantle Cemetery and Rockingham Cemetery. All crematoriums in Western Australia must adhere to strict regulatory requirements, ensuring dignity, professionalism and respectful care at every stage.

The Cremation Process – A Clear Overview

While each crematorium operates with its own procedures, the overall steps remain consistent across Western Australia.

Step by Step: What Happens Before the Cremation

Step 1 – Transfer to the Crematorium
Your loved one is transported to the crematorium according to the booked schedule. At Mayfair, this is always undertaken with care and respect as part of professional funeral services in Perth.

Step 2 – Identification and Documentation Check
Before anything can occur, crematorium staff must confirm identity via the name plate along with permits, statutory forms and funeral director documentation.

Step 3 – Scheduled or Unattended Cremation
For a direct or unattended cremation, no mourners are present, there is no ceremony, and the cremation takes place privately at a scheduled time.
For a full service cremation, family and friends gather for a funeral service and following the ceremony the coffin is transferred to the crematorium area where the cremation takes place.

Inside the Crematorium – What Actually Happens

Step 4 – Placement into the Cremator
The coffin is placed into the cremator exactly as received. It is not opened or disturbed at any time.

Step 5 – The Cremation Process
A cremation typically takes between 70 and 120 minutes depending on coffin material, size and cremation technology.

Step 6 – Cooling Period
Once the cremation is complete, the chamber must cool before the remains can be processed.

Step 7 – Processing of Ashes
After cooling, bone fragments are processed to a fine consistency and the ashes are placed into a sealed cremation container.

How Ashes Are Returned to the Family

Ashes remain in the care of the cemetery and are collected from the crematorium according to the instructions provided by the applicant for cremation. The applicant may collect the ashes directly or arrange with the cemetery for interment, niche wall placement or a memorial keepsake within the cemetery grounds. These arrangements are made directly with the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board Memorials Team, who provide guidance on available memorial options. Mayfair Funeral Directors may also assist families with selecting an urn if desired.

Is the Coffin Cremated Too

Yes. In Western Australia, the coffin must be cremated exactly as presented, without opening or reuse.

Witnessing or Attending a Cremation

Witnessing a cremation, sometimes referred to as viewing the charge, is available although it is not common. Certain cultural or religious requirements may request this option. It must be arranged by the funeral director and approved by the cemetery.

Common Questions

Each person is cremated individually.
Ashes are typically released to families within approximately three business days following cremation.
Only small approved items may be placed within the coffin if they are safe for cremation.
If a loved one has a medically implanted device such as a pacemaker, it must be removed by the funeral director’s care team prior to cremation.

Every crematorium in Western Australia operates under strict legal and ethical standards. Mayfair Funeral Directors Perth ensures transparent guidance, dignified care, lawful compliance and cultural respect throughout the entire cremation process.