Understanding the Different Types of Cremation

Providers of cremation services in Scarborough, ME, offer various types of cremation for different budgets and preferences. You should know their differences to choose the right end-of-life option for you or your loved one. 

Traditional funeral with cremation 

As the name suggests, this cremation service includes some, if not all, elements of a traditional funeral. Families can have a wake or visitation, or funeral service. Still, the body heads to the cremation chamber after funeral rituals instead of a cemetery. 

Hence, it is the most expensive type of cremation service. Families may have to pay for embalming, rental casket, and the cost of arranging each funeral ritual and the cremation itself. 

For those who can afford it, a traditional funeral with cremation is ideal for those who wish to give family and friends time to say goodbye to the deceased’s body. However, it involves a lot of planning and stress, which is why some families choose direct cremation. 

Direct cremation 

On the opposite side is the simplest type of cremation. No planning is involved because the cremation service provider handles everything. 

This is because there’s no service or ceremony in direct cremation. The body goes straight to the crematory from the place of death, and the provider returns the remains a few days after. 

Direct cremation has the significant advantage of being the least expensive form of cremation. Since there are no services or attendees to plan for, families only have to pay for the cremation and admin fees. 

Furthermore, the convenience and affordability free up time to grieve and focus on supporting your family. You can plan a memorial service or celebration of life later to your taste when it’s financially convenient. 

Cremation with memorial service 

A cremation with a memorial service is a blend of the cost savings of direct cremation and traditional funeral rituals. 

The body goes directly to the crematory, saving you the cost of embalming or rental casket. Then the memorial service occurs after, with the urn usually as the focal point of the ceremony. 

This cremation service allows families to honor their loved one’s memory in ways similar to a traditional funeral but without the extra cost. 

Plus, the memorial service does not occur immediately after. It can happen days, weeks, or months after the cremation. This gives families enough time to align schedules and develop a plan that works for everyone. 

Witnessed Cremation 

This is not so much a different type of cremation as it is a variation of the main types. In a witnessed cremation, the provider allows a few family members to watch the body as it enters the cremator. 

The family can have a short committal service to say goodbye and an opportunity to add last-minute keepsakes. 

Witnessed cremation only works with traditional cremation and cremation with a memorial. Direct cremations often happen off-hours when the crematory is closed to non-staff. 

Not every cremation provider offers witnessed cremation. For those who do, the option comes at extra costs. 

Now that you know the differences, which one will you choose? Whatever you decide, we can make the process easier for you. Our Scarborough, ME, cremation service is only a phone call away. You can also fill this form to get started.