7 Affordable Alternatives to a Traditional Funeral

Cremation of Southern Maine • September 5, 2022

Instead of a pricey traditional funeral, these contemporary alternatives are affordable and can be personalized in ways that truly honor the deceased’s memory.

cremation services in Portland ME

Traditional funerals and burials can be expensive, formal, and rigid. But they are no longer the only options on the block. Numerous affordable, non-traditional alternatives to traditional funerals are offered by providers of cremation services in Portland, ME. Here are some of them: 


Direct Cremation 


Direct cremation, also known as simple cremation, is the least expensive alternative. The body is cremated without services or ceremonies, and the ashes are returned to the family. 


This also means no embalming, expensive casket, or burial plot purchase. That’s why direct cremation costs less than half the price of an average traditional funeral. 


Cremation with a Memorial Service 


This option is similar to direct cremation, except a memorial service is held after the body is cremated. The memorial service can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. 


Cremation with a memorial service is also flexible. You can hold the service at home or somewhere meaningful to you or the deceased person. 


Natural Burial 


Don’t want to cremate the body? A natural burial is an affordable alternative. This option involves burying the body in a green cemetery. 


Embalming is unnecessary; the body is placed in a biodegradable casket or shroud. A natural burial also doesn’t require a burial vault, allowing for natural, unrestricted decomposition. 


Tree Planting Ceremony 


After cremation or natural burial, it’s normal to want a service or ceremony to honor your loved one. Tree planting ceremonies are becoming more popular with people who want to commemorate the life of their loved ones in a more meaningful way. The deceased’s ashes are spread under a tree or mixed with the soil of a freshly planted tree. 


Ash Scattering Ceremony 


Another affordable way to honor a loved one’s memory is scattering their ashes somewhere meaningful to them. It can be any of their favorite places, such as a beach, forest, or park. 


You can have the ash scattering ceremony alone or include family and friends with activities celebrating the deceased. 


Celebration of Life 


These are usually themed memorial services with a lively atmosphere. It can be small and intimate or elaborate with members of the community. 


The theme is usually based on the deceased person’s passions, and the service is very flexible. It can be fancy or basic, depending on your budget and tastes. 


Birthday or Anniversary Memorials 


Instead of celebrating the deceased’s birthday, you can have a memorial service on the same date. Birthday and anniversary memorials are usually simple and intimate, with family and close friends. 


This is especially meaningful if the deceased has passed away on their birthday or anniversary. But it also works if they didn’t. You can skip the funeral and push the memorial service date to their actual birthday or anniversary, adding an extra layer of meaning to the day. 


These traditional funeral alternatives will help you celebrate your loved one in a way that keeps you financially healthy without betraying their memory. 


Ready to get started? We offer affordable cremation services in Portland, ME. Our funeral home staff can also help you arrange a memorial in whatever form you desire. Call us now to set up an appointment with our funeral director.

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Families today are rethinking how they want to honor a loved one while managing emotional and practical realities. Many find that cremation service Scarborough, ME provides a balance of simplicity, flexibility, and personal choice that feels appropriate for modern life. This approach allows families to focus on remembrance and healing rather than navigating layers of unnecessary decisions during an already difficult time. Life today looks very different from it did generations ago. Families are often spread across multiple locations, schedules are full, and beliefs about end-of-life care continue to evolve. These realities shape how people make decisions during moments of loss. Cremation offers adaptable planning that aligns with these changes, which is why Cremation of Southern Maine supports families who value transparency, understanding, and respectful guidance throughout the process. Simplicity eases emotional strain. When families are grieving, clarity can provide comfort. A simplified arrangement process helps reduce emotional overload and removes pressure to make rapid decisions. Cremation allows families to slow down, giving them time to process loss without feeling rushed into commitments that may not feel right. This simplicity does not diminish meaning. Instead, it creates space for thoughtful reflection and personal remembrance. Families often appreciate having fewer immediate decisions so they can focus on supporting one another. Knowing that arrangements are handled clearly and calmly can provide a sense of stability during an uncertain time. Evolving values influence decisions. Beliefs around remembrance and legacy are changing. Many families now prioritize authenticity over formality, choosing options that reflect personal values rather than long-standing customs. Cremation supports a wide range of cultural, spiritual, and non-religious perspectives without imposing a specific structure. For families seeking reassurance, understanding why others choose this path can be helpful. Insight into direct cremation basics helps explain why simplicity, transparency, and control resonate with people who want arrangements that feel intentional rather than traditional. Flexibility supports modern families. Today’s families are often geographically dispersed. Coordinating schedules during a time of grief can be challenging, especially when travel is involved. Cremation allows families to plan moments of remembrance later, when emotions have settled, and logistics are easier to manage. This flexibility also benefits families with different preferences. Some may prefer quiet reflection, while others may want to gather at a later time. When reviewing simple cremation options , families often appreciate knowing arrangements can adapt to real-life needs without sacrificing dignity or care. Clear communication builds confidence. Transparency is essential when trust matters most. Families want to understand what will happen, when it will happen, and who is involved. Clear communication helps reduce anxiety and allows families to feel supported rather than uncertain. When information is shared plainly and respectfully, families gain confidence in their decisions. Knowing what to expect allows them to focus on healing instead of worrying about unanswered questions. This sense of clarity often makes a meaningful difference during an emotional time.  At Cremation of Southern Maine, we believe families deserve guidance rooted in understanding and respect. If you are considering a cremation service in Scarborough, ME, learning more about our values and approach can help you move forward with confidence. Helpful information about our philosophy and how we support families is available through our about our team . Know your options and choose a path that feels right for your family.