What is Direct Cremation? Here is a Full Breakdown
Considering direct cremation and want to know what you are getting into before making a decision? From how it works to its downsides, here are all the facts about direct cremation.
One of the options when you visit cremation services in Portland, ME, is direct cremation. Here is everything you should know about it.
What is Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation is a final disposition option where the body is cremated within days after death without a funeral service.
Sometimes called simple cremation, the entire process happens within 48 to 72 hours or less, depending on the law.
How Does Direct Cremation Work?
The cremation process is fast and easy. That is one reason why many families are adopting it as a final disposition method.
It goes like this:
- Your chosen cremation provider collects your loved one
- You and the provider sign and complete all paperwork and permits
- The professional places the body in a cardboard container for the cremation
- They transfer the cremated ashes into a plastic or cardboard urn
- The urn is kept to be collected by the family or sent by secure mail
As you can see, the professionals don’t treat, embalm, or present the body for viewing. That is why the entire process happens pretty quickly.
However, in some instances, a cremation provider or funeral home might hold a body in refrigerated storage past 48 hours. This attracts an additional cost, though.
The Advantages of Direct Cremation
More and more people in Portland, ME, are choosing direct cremation. The driving reason differs for each family, but a lot of it is a combination of —
- Flexibility: Direct cremation frees families from the stress of arranging a funeral service that fits their tastes and budget.
- Affordability: Without the need for caskets and service planning, the total cost of disposition drops significantly.
On average, direct cremation costs $2,300 in the United States. At Cremation of Southern Main, it is $1,195. Both figures are far less than the average of $6,000 for traditional cremation.
- Simplicity: Since there is no service, setting up a direct cremation is relatively easy, especially with an online service like Cremation of Southern Maine. Anyone can make the arrangements online or via phone.
The Disadvantages of Direct Cremation
There is only one significant downside to direct cremation, and that is the speed of the process.
Families might find that the simpler process does not offer the same level of therapeutic comfort as a traditional funeral service.
Also, direct cremation does not give families a chance to celebrate their loved one’s life or friends a chance to say goodbye to their body.
As a result, it is essential to think long and hard before making a decision since the direct cremation process is irreversible.
Is it possible to have a memorial service after?
Yes, it is possible to have a memorial service after direct cremation. It can happen at any date, presumably when convenient for intended attendees.
If you wish to have a post-cremation service, saving the ashes for the ceremony is advisable. However, you can still hold the service after disposing of the ashes.
That covers everything you should know about direct
cremation as practiced by Portland ME cremation service providers. If you have additional questions, reach out to Cremation of Southern Maine. Our
professionals are available 24/7, and you are only a phone call or a visit away from getting the answers you need.
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