Cremation: Process, Ash Options and Costs

Cremation is the most common form of farewell in the Czech Republic.

Many choose it for its simplicity and symbolism. Cremation is also associated with a deep ritual — full of silence, respect, and meaning.

What is cremation and how does it happen?

Cremation means the cremation of the body of the deceased in a crematorium.
Cremation is performed with utmost respect and precision. Each cremation is carried out individually and with respect for the identity of the deceased.

Individual steps of cremation:

1. Transport of the deceased from the place of death to the crematorium,
2. preparation of the body – including clothing or a burial shroud,
3. identification and documentation,
4. the cremation itself – takes place at high temperature, takes approximately 90 minutes,
5. placing the ashes in an urn, marked with the name and cremation number.

Cremation with ceremony and without ceremony

Farewells can take many forms.

• A cremation with a ceremony is often accompanied by music, a speech, or a personal remembrance. The ceremony may be held in a funeral home, church, or other location significant to the family.
• A cremation without a ceremony (also called a “burial without farewells”) is a quiet, without a presence of the bereaved. Many choose it because of the deceased’s wishes or because of its peaceful simplicity.

Both forms are equally dignified. The difference is not in the presence of people, but in the wishes of the bereaved and the meaning that is important to those who remain.

How to store the ashes

After cremation, the ashes can be stored in several ways – each with its own symbolism and rules.

Placing an urn in a cemetery

The most common option. The urn can be placed in a grave, tomb or columbarium.
The family can visit the site at any time later, bring flowers or light a candle.

Scattering on a scattering meadow

The ashes are scattered in a meadow designated for this purpose, often in the presence of loved ones.
It is a simple and symbolic farewell – a return to nature, to the space from which everything begins and ends.

Interment of ashes in nature

In certain cases, ashes can be scattered outside the cemetery – for example, in a forest, meadow or by the water.
The law allows this with the consent of the landowner and while maintaining a respectful character.
We will be happy to advise you on how to do this in accordance with the rules and with respect for the place.

Keeping the urn at home

Some families wish to have the urn at home – in a place that is most meaningful to them.
Legally, this is possible, but appropriate conditions must be maintained for its safe storage.

What kind of urn can be?

• Metal urns – elegant, sturdy, suitable for outdoor storage.
• Wooden urns – with natural wood grain, warm and peaceful.
• Ceramic and glass urns– handmade, with fine details.
• Ecological (bio) urns – made of biodegradable materials, designed for burial or scattering.
• Mini urns and ash jewelry – small, personal ways to keep some of your ashes close to you.

Each urn can be different. The most importantly it should reflect the personality of the deceased.

Symbolic ways to say goodbye to ashes

Sometimes the family decides to have a personal ritual after the cremation.

It could be a memorial gathering, lighting candles, planting a tree, or simply sharing silence. These moments help to close the story with inner peace and gratitude.

Cremation prices and what is usually included

The cost of cremation depends on its form and the scope of services.
It usually includes:

• transportation of the deceased,
• providing the necessary documents,
• the cremation itself,
• the official urn,
• releasing the ashes to the family.

For cremation without a ceremony, prices range in the order of a few thousand crowns, for cremation with a ceremony, the costs of flowers, music, a speaker, printed matter, or hall rental are added.

At PEGAS Funeral Home, we always prepare a clear, understandable calculation, without hidden fees.

How PEGAS can help you to prepare a cremation?

We will provide everything you need for cremation – transportation, documentation, communication with the crematorium and delivery of the urn. We can also organize a farewell for you, choose a suitable place to store the ashes or prepare a quiet memorial service.

Every person deserves to pass away with dignity, in harmony with their life. We listen to your wishes and guide you through the entire situation. Silently and firmly.

You can call us anytime on the phone number: +420 800 176 423.