The percentage of cremations to deaths in the United States and Canada has increased steadily during the last two decades. In other countries, such as England and Japan, cremation is the most common form of disposition.
Many states require a two-day waiting period between the time of death and cremation.
The waiting period provides the time necessary for your funeral director to file for required permits and receive proper authorizations. Families frustrated by the delay should try to remember that a person's identity or cause of death can be lost forever without great attention to these matters prior to cremation. Some people are surprised to learn that cremation does not preclude a funeral with all the traditional aspects of the ceremony. Visitation or viewing with a funeral ceremony and church or memorial services are options to be considered. In some states, funeral homes are permitted to rent caskets for viewing and services.