What is the Difference between Direct Cremation and Cremation?

A common question people ask when they visit cremation services in Biddeford, ME, is the difference between traditional cremation and direct cremation. 

It is a good question, as knowing the difference between the two most popular cremation forms helps you decide the right choice for you or your loved one. 

So, what is the difference between cremation and direct cremation? The main difference between the two is the timeline of events. 

Direct Cremation 

In direct cremation, the body goes straight from the hospital or morgue to the crematory. 

For a myriad of reasons, it may be in a funeral home for a few days. Maybe the crematorium is busy, or the family hasn’t secured an appointment. 

Once all outside issues are resolved, the crematory professionals cremate the body immediately. 

There is no preparation or embalming. In many cases, there is also no service before the cremation. 

After the cremation, the cremains is delivered to the family, after which the family can have a memorial service, burial, or private scattering. 

Overall, the defining quality of direct cremation is the lack of body preparation BEFORE the cremation. As a result, the cremation tends to happen within 24-48 hours after death. 

This saves the family from the high costs of embalming, dressing, and stress of planning a funeral. 

Traditional Cremation 

In simple terms, a traditional cremation is like orthodox burial, except instead of burying the body whole, it is cremated. 

Under traditional cremation, the body goes through most, if not all, the routine activities of a regular burial. 

The body is taken to a funeral home, where it undergoes embalming, dressing, and preparation for viewing/wake. After, depending on the family’s plans, there might also be a funeral service. 

After all ceremonial arrangements are complete, the body is taken to the crematorium for cremation. 

Once the cremation is complete, the family receives the cremated remains for sharing or a private dispersal ceremony. 

As you can see, the difference between traditional cremation and direct cremation is the timeline of events. 

In direct cremation, the cremation comes early in the final disposition process, typically within a few days after passing. 

With a traditional cremation, between organizing a viewing and service, it can take up to two weeks after passing for the cremation to take place. 

Which One is Better? 

It ultimately depends on what matters to you and your family, as neither is inherently better than the other as a form of cremation. 

Suppose you prefer having a viewing and all the rituals of a funeral before saying goodbye to the body. In that case, traditional cremation is the way to go. 

However, direct cremation is better if you wish to save on upfront costs, especially when it is an unexpected death, and there is no pre-plan arrangement. 

After the cremation and whenever is convenient, family members can hold a memorial service and celebration of life for the deceased. 

Direct cremation offers a reprieve from the financial stress of losing a loved one. This is why we offer affordable direct cremation services in Biddeford, ME, with the highest level of care. Call us today or make your simple cremation arrangement online.