FAQs
Find the Answers You Need
Our cremation experts at Northern Virginia Burial & Cremation Society are available to answer any and all of your cremation-related questions. Here’s a list of the questions we receive most often from families considering cremation. If you don’t find an answer to your question below, contact our helpful team at (703) 760-3077.
Q: What kind of container houses the cremated remains?
Regulations only require a bag or box, but Northern Virginia Burial and Cremation Society offers a variety of beautiful and affordable urns.
Q: Why do you need all of this information about my loved one?
We use the vital statistical information you provide to create a death certificate proof. We send this proof back to you to review and certify that all of the information is correct before we file the death certificate with the state. All of the information we ask for is used for the death certificate and will be on the certified copies of the death certificates. If any of the information is not known, we can have “Unknown” on the death certificate, but the word “Unknown” will appear on the certified copies of the death certificates.
Q: What is cremation?
Cremation is simply a process of reducing the human body to particles and bone fragments using high heat and flame. It is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service.
Q: How long does cremation take?
Depending on weight, cremation takes from two to three hours.
Q: What happens after cremation?
At the end of the cremation process, what remains are bone fragments. These bone fragments are then processed to a consistent size and placed into a temporary or permanent urn.
Q: What do the ashes look like?
Cremated remains resemble coarse sand. They range in color from white to gray. The remains weigh between four and eight pounds.
