How Long It Takes to Receive a Loved One’s Remains

December 26, 2022

Are you wondering how long it’ll take to get a loved one’s cremated remains back once their cremation services in Tupelo, MS are complete? Get the answer here.

Following a loved one’s cremation services in Tupelo, MS, you might think that you’re going to get their cremated remains back on the spot. But in reality, this isn’t usually the case. More often than not, a funeral home is going to take more than a week to get your loved one’s remains back to you. There are several steps that they’ll need to take before they can release the remains to you so that you can decide what to do with them next. Find out what a funeral home will need to do before handing your loved one’s remains over to you below.

They’ll need to process your loved one’s cremated remains.

When you get your loved one’s remains back in the aftermath of their Tupelo, MS cremation, they’re going to be small and uniform in size. But that isn’t what remains typically look like right after a cremation. At that point, the remains are essentially a small pile of bone fragments. A funeral home will take these bone fragments and process them to make them look like the remains that you’ll actually receive. This doesn’t take too long, but it is one of the reasons why you can’t get immediate access to a loved one’s remains.

They’ll need to place your loved one’s remains into an urn or some other kind of container.

Once a funeral home has processed your loved one’s remains, they’ll need to find something to put them in. Most families will choose to have a funeral home put them into an urn, but your family can also have remains placed into a more basic kind of cremation container if you would like. Whatever the case, you can cut down on the amount of time you’ll have to wait for your loved one’s remains by making sure that you get an urn or cremation container to a funeral home quickly.

They’ll need to fill out the proper paperwork.

As you can probably imagine, there is a whole lot of paperwork that a funeral home will need to fill out while cremating a person. It’s very important for them to fill out and file this paperwork properly. This paperwork is going to be a big part of the reason why it can take some time for a funeral home to provide you with your loved one’s cremated remains. But you’ll need to do your best to stay patient while this process plays itself out.

They’ll need to arrange to have you come and pick up your loved one’s remains.

After a funeral home has done everything else that we’ve talked about here, then and only then can they arrange to have you come to their facility to pick up your loved one’s remains. You should remain in contact with a funeral home so that you’re able to schedule a pickup at a time that works well for you. Most funeral homes will work with you to find a time that is convenient so that you can get your loved one’s remains back and think about what you would like to do with them after that.

Do you have additional questions about Tupelo, MS cremations that you would like to get answered? We can provide you with the answers that you need when you trust us to cremate a loved one for you. Give us a call today to speak with a funeral director about our cremation services.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Planning Services That Cherish Memories and Stories

December 22, 2025

Create meaningful tributes with funeral services Saltillo, MS. Plan heartfelt, personalized services that honor memories, stories, and lasting connections.

Creating Lasting Memories With Cremation Memorials

December 15, 2025

For families seeking meaningful tribute options, choosing cremation services Saltillo, MS opens the door to personalized, heartfelt memorials that honor a loved one’s life in ways that feel genuine and enduring. At the heart of such gatherings is the opportunity to create a memory-rich environment where tribute becomes as much about legacy as it is about closure. We at Pegues Funeral Directors believe every memorial should be as individual as the person being remembered. With decades of experience guiding families through planning and service, our aim is to help you craft a tribute that resonates, offers comfort, and brings people together to celebrate a life lived. Designing the Memorial with Intention When preparing a memorial tied to cremation services, it’s important to focus on design that speaks to identity. Use photographs, keepsakes, favorite quotes or music, and decor that reflects the person’s personality. By thoughtfully arranging these elements, perhaps in a slideshow, memory table, or guest book, you empower loved ones to share stories, laughter, and reflection. This kind of personalization transforms space into something comforting rather than merely conventional. Further, selecting meaningful ceremony structure helps. Whether you choose to gather with a speaker, live music, or an open mic time for friends and family, the key is allowing participation. When attendees feel engaged rather than passive, the memorial becomes a collective act of remembrance, one that invites healing instead of simply closure. Choosing Memorial Options That Resonate One of the special aspects of memorials associated with cremation services is the flexibility of how and where memories are honored. Consider a display wall showcasing milestones. Or host a reception following the service where guests can add written notes or place mementos in a “memory box.” Even pre-service moments, such as casual family viewing or a video tribute before the formal ceremony, allow for comfort, shared reflection, and quieter connection. Beyond the service itself, offering guests an opportunity to participate in something lasting, like planting a tree in memory or creating a digital tribute page, gives the memory of a home that lives on. These choices help families move from grief toward remembrance, anchoring the memorial in positive action rather than absence. Creating a Warm Environment for Reflection The emotional tone is shaped by the environment you provide. Choose lighting that is soft, seats that invite comfortable gathering, and signage or décor that gently guides people through the space. Often, beginning the service with a welcome period, where friends and family arrive, mingle, and share memories, makes the formal portion more peaceful and meaningful. In addition, consider incorporating interactive moments: perhaps candle lighting, a shared moment of silence, or a commemorative gesture such as releasing lanterns or placing pebbles on a memory table. By giving guests small ways to participate, the service becomes more personal and reflective, helping to bring comfort to all present. Bringing It All Together When thoughtfully planned, memorials affiliated with cremation services offer an opportunity to create a warm, connected, meaningful experience that honors life, legacy, and love. By combining personalization, environment, participation, and ongoing remembrance, you provide more than a service; you create a lasting memory, a place where family and friends gather, reflect, and find comfort together. If you’re exploring options for cremation services Saltillo, MS, we invite you to reach out to Pegues Funeral Directors so that we may help you craft a tribute that not only honors your loved one but supports your family each step of the way, and we’re here when you’re ready to begin that meaningful process.