What Is A Direct Cremation?
If you are organizing the cremation of a relative or friend, then you can choose between traditional or direct cremation services. Sometimes, a simpler direct cremation is a better option than a traditional one.
How does direct cremation work? What are its benefits?
How Do Direct Cremations Work?
Traditional cremations follow the same steps as regular burial funerals; however, the body is cremated rather than buried. So, the body goes to a funeral home to be prepared for its final journey after death. After a period of time, you hold a viewing if you want one and then a service. The body is then cremated.
Direct cremations cut out some of the steps of this process. It is a faster solution.
Here, the body doesn't have to go to a funeral home. It can be taken directly to your chosen crematorium. The body isn't embalmed or prepared in any way, and there is no viewing or service. The crematorium cremates the body and then gives the ashes to a designated family member or friend.
What Are the Benefits of Direct Cremations?
The most significant benefit of a direct cremation is its lower cost. You don't have to pay a funeral home for their services. You don't have to organize and pay for a memorial service.
Here, you simply pay to have the body taken to the crematorium and for the subsequent cremation costs. This can save a significant amount of money. If the person who dies didn't leave money to fund their funeral, or if you can't afford a traditional service, then this is one of the most low-cost options.
However, budget isn't the only reason some people choose direct cremation services. Some people specify that they don't want any fuss or a service before they die; some don't want their body to be embalmed.
Here, they prefer to have a simplified, dignified, and understated passing. They tell their family and friends that they want this kind of service.
In some cases, this is also the most practical solution. If the deceased's family and friends don't live locally to them, then it can be hard to get everyone together for a traditional cremation service in time.
If you have a direct cremation, then you can take the ashes and arrange the kind of memorial or celebration-of-life service you really want later. Or, you can keep things more private and either keep or scatter the ashes when you feel ready to do so.
To find out more, contact a company like Guiding Light Cremations and Funerals.