Direct Cremation: What Is It?
A direct cremation is the most efficient option for the disposition of a departed loved one. Instead of a more traditional burial or cremation, where the body is part of a ceremony or gathering, which all take time, here the body goes directly from the morgue to the crematorium. The cremains are then returned to the family.
There’s no ceremony, viewing, or visit involved. There usually isn’t even a specific set of clothing picked out for the deceased, where they might have a unique outfit picked out for a more traditional cremation. The death certificate is confirmed, any relevant documentation is signed, and the cremation takes place right away.
This is a popular option with many families, giving them closure without having to delay the process. Let’s take a look at the process of direct cremation, what it involves, and some of its biggest advantages.
Direct Cremation
It’s never easy to talk about what happens to a loved one when they pass, but let’s break down the process for direct cremation, so you have all the information you need. In this style of cremation, the body is usually kept, either at the funeral home or crematorium until the death certificate and cremation permit are available. These documents have to be signed by the family.
Once this has been locked in, the family can bypass the usual funeral or visitation ceremonies, moving right along to cremation and receiving the cremains to keep or spread how they choose. The body isn’t embalmed. There is no makeup or hair care routine because the body won’t need to be prepared, and the body is cremated without a viewing ceremony. Anything not related to the cremation is put aside.
There’s no need for a casket, either, obviously. Families or friends get to choose a special place to spread the ashes or receive a simple to keep their loved ones’ remains in. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common benefits of a direct cremation.
A Simpler Process
Death is a tricky enough process for the average person to deal with, as it is, without having to worry about a complicated disposition with a lot of moving parts and things that have to be organized or signed off on. Plan for direct cremation, instead, and you can have a simpler arrangement without all of the unnecessary extras.
The cremation typically takes place a few days after the death. It’s a simpler process overall, allowing you to do whatever you’d like for a memorial, which is a big benefit.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Burials are still a very popular option in the funeral industry, but they come with a big caveat: you need a considerable amount of space to bury a coffin, which reduces the amount of space available to build parks or sustain local plant life. That’s not a problem you’ll have to deal with with a direct cremation. There’s a lot you can choose to do with your ashes, and none of it has to involve burying them (although that is an option, as well). Your choice means you can choose to be more environmentally responsible with your loved one’s cremains.
They’re Less Expensive
Opting for direct cremation over a burial can also help you and your loved ones save money during this difficult time. This simply comes down to budget, and there is nothing wrong with spending money on a burial or service of some sort, but it’s possible to honor your loved one and still stay within a smaller budget if needs be. Opt for direct cremation, gather friends and family someplace special to them, and this is a less expensive way to say goodbye.