Benefits of Direct Cremation over Traditional Cremation

Cremation of Southern Maine • February 21, 2022

Struggling to choose between direct cremation and traditional cremation? Need help deciding the best option for your loved one? This article will help you make an informed decision.

cremation services in Biddeford, ME

Even when you know that your loved one wanted to be cremated, there is still a choice to make when you reach out to cremation services in Biddeford, ME


Should you go for direct cremation, or is traditional cremation the better option? This article will help you figure out the correct answer. 


First, what’s in a traditional cremation vs. direct cremation? 


The main difference between the two cremation forms is the timeline and the services involved. While a direct cremation occurs within two to three days after death, things can take a lot longer with traditional cremation. 


Traditional cremation follows a similar path as a traditional burial. It involves working with a funeral home, organizing a viewing, buying or renting a casket, etc. 


But instead of transferring the casket for burial after the service, the body is transferred to a crematorium. 


Benefits of Direct Cremation over Traditional Cremation 


Choosing the right option for you requires understanding the pros and cons of each type of cremation and what your needs are. 


Pros of Direct Cremation 


  • It is the cheapest cremation option 
  • There is no extra funeral expense - the body goes straight to the crematory 
  • It can be arranged remotely. No need to visit a funeral home 
  • Remote arrangement allows out-of-state families to ship the remains and hold a memorial service elsewhere. 
  • Allows quick disposition of the body in an efficient yet dignified manner 
  • Provides flexibility for families to arrange memorial services for a later date 
  • There is no need to buy a gravesite or headstone 
  • Because there is limited traveling and no services, there is a lower negative environmental impact 


Cons of Direct Cremation 


  • Direct cremation does not give the family a chance to celebrate the deceased’s life before disposition 
  • There is a short window for friends to say their final goodbye 
  • Unless you add a cremation urn to your service package, the remains are returned in a simple temporary cardboard container 


Pros of Traditional Cremation 


  • Extra time for family and friends to say goodbye 
  • It costs less than a traditional burial service (no need for cemetery space) 
  • Some funeral homes offer rental caskets, reducing casket expenses 


Cons of Traditional Cremation 


  • Services and funeral planning makes it more expensive than a direct cremation 
  • Funeral or memorial services have to happen shortly after the deceased’s passing. 


From the pros and cons, direct cremation is the better option, especially when it comes to cost and flexibility. 


Traditional cremation is better if a final goodbye from family and friends is a greater priority. 


Choosing the Right Cremation Option for your Loved One 


There’s nothing wrong with wanting the best for someone you care about, even after they’ve passed away. 


And with both options offering significant value, it isn’t easy figuring out what will work for you and your loved one. 


Here is where Cremation of Southern Maine can help. We take your circumstances and considerations into the equation and provide a simple answer in a confusing time. 


As a leading cremation service provider in Biddeford, ME, our professionals are at your service 24/7, ready to serve. Contact us via phone call or visit our location today to start the befitting arrangement your loved one deserves


Blogs

cremation service Biddeford, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 6, 2026
Dedicated grief support offering compassion, clarity, and trusted guidance for families seeking a cremation service in Biddeford, ME.
cremation service Portland, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 6, 2026
Why families choose a cremation service Portland, ME residents trust for simplicity, flexibility, and respectful care that fits modern values.
cremation service Kennebunk, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 6, 2026
A clear guide to pre-planning a funeral with confidence, clarity, and support from a cremation service Kennebunk, ME families trust.
cremation service Windham, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 5, 2026
A helpful guide to local and online grief support tools that provide comfort, connection, and reassurance for families after loss.
cremation service Scarborough, ME
December 22, 2025
Learn how simplified cremation options support clarity and peace of mind with Cremation of Southern Maine. Call (207) 907-7318 to get trusted guidance today.
cremation service Kennebunk, ME
December 17, 2025
Families deserve clarity and care during loss. Cremation of Southern Maine provides compassionate support. Call us at (207) 907-7318 to know your options now.
cremation service Biddeford, ME
December 15, 2025
Understand the advantages of choosing direct cremation with Cremation of Southern Maine. Call us at (207) 907-7318 to get support when you need it the most.
cremation service Portland, ME
December 8, 2025
Learn whether a simple cremation with memorial service fits your needs with Cremation of Southern Maine. Call (207) 907-7318 today for support and guidance.
cremation service Windham, ME
November 24, 2025
Simple cremation helps families focus on what matters most. Cremation of Southern Maine offers clear guidance and support when you call us at (207) 907-7318.
cremation service Scarborough, ME
November 17, 2025
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.