What You Need to Know About Direct Cremation
Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for end-of-life arrangements, with more people opting for this option than traditional burials. One of the options available is direct cremation, which is a simple and cost-effective way of carrying out a cremation without a formal funeral service or viewing.
Read on to be informed about direct cremation, its advantages and its differences from traditional cremation.
What is Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation is a form of cremation that occurs immediately after the person’s death without any funeral service or viewing. The deceased cremated ashes are placed in a simple container and returned to the family.
Differences between Direct and Traditional Cremation
Presence of a Funeral Service or Viewing
A traditional cremation typically involves a formal service where the deceased’s body is present, and family and friends can pay their last respects. In contrast, a direct cremation occurs without funeral service or viewing, and the body is cremated soon after death.
Cost
Cost is one of the most significant differences between the two kinds of cremation.
Traditional cremations are generally more expensive than direct cremations due to the additional costs associated with a funeral service, such as embalming, purchasing a casket and transporting the body to and from the funeral home.
On the other hand, direct cremations only involve the cremation process itself, and the ashes are typically returned to the family in a simple container. It’s also the family’s discretion to purchase a cremation urn or container of their choice to make it more personal.
Timeframe
The timeline for a traditional cremation can also be longer than that of a direct cremation. The embalming and preparation of the body for viewing in traditional cremation can take several days. The funeral service itself may also take several hours.
However, with direct cremation, the process occurs immediately after death, typically within a few days. Embalming and preparing the body are not needed. After the cremation, the ashes are returned to the family, who can decide what they want to do with them.
Flexibility and Expense
A funeral home service usually organises traditional cremations. So, you are limited to the packages they offer. A traditional cremation may also involve using a casket or purchasing a cremation urn or scattering container (separate from the casket used), often more expensive than a simple container used in direct cremations.
Direct cremation gives families more flexibility in how they wish to commemorate their loved one. Since there is no service, they can plan a memorial or celebration of life event at a later time that serves their needs.
Environmentally Friendly
Direct cremation is also more environmentally friendly as it does not require embalming or a casket. The ashes can be scattered on the ground or placed in a biodegradable urn. This type of urn can be buried in soil as it easily integrates with the land without any trace.
Direct Cremation: The Efficient and Economic Choice
Direct cremation is an option that is becoming increasingly popular due to its simplicity, affordability, and flexibility. It differs from traditional cremation in terms of the presence or absence of a funeral service or viewing, cost, timeline, and using a cremation casket and urn. So, families should carefully consider their options and needs when choosing between these two types of cremations.
Overall, direct cremation is an excellent option for a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and flexible end-of-life arrangement.
