FAQ | Cremation Centre

At Emerald Shores Cremation Centre, we understand that planning a service can be a difficult and emotional experience. It's normal to have many questions and uncertainties during this time. That's why we have created this FAQ page to help answer some of the most common questions we receive from our families. We want to assure you that we are here to support you every step of the way and will do everything we can to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct cremation?
Direct cremation is a type of funeral service in which the deceased is cremated immediately after passing, without any traditional funeral or viewing services.
How are you able to offer services at a lower cost than the funeral home? The cost of direct cremation can vary depending on your location and the provider you choose. However, it is typically more affordable than traditional funeral services, as it does not involve many of the additional expenses associated with traditional funerals.
What is the process of direct cremation? The process of direct cremation involves the transportation of the your loved one from the place of passing to the crematory, where they are prepared for cremation. Once the cremation process is complete, the remains are returned to the family in a simple urn. Our cremation center is located in Panama City and your loved one will never leave our care, or Bay County.
Is embalming required for direct cremation? No, embalming is not required for direct cremation.
How long does the cremation process take? The cremation process can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on many variables. The longest part of the process is getting the cremation authorization from the medical examiner.
Can I still have a funeral or memorial service with direct cremation? Yes, you can still have a funeral or memorial service with direct cremation. Many families choose to hold a celebration of life or memorial service after the cremation process is complete, we handle these through our sister company Heritage Funeral Home.
Can I witness the cremation process? Yes, we allow family members to witness the cremation process.
What happens to the remains after cremation? The remains are typically placed in a simple urn and returned to the family. The family may choose to scatter the ashes, bury them, or keep them in an urn.
Do I need to purchase an urn for the remains? No, you are not required to purchase an urn for the remains. However, if you choose to upgrade, we have many urns available for you to choose from.