Key Points To Know About Direct Cremation Services

When you begin looking for funeral pre-planning options, a popular advertisement you will see is direct cremation services. These services are generally offered at a much lower rate than other end-of-life planning services. Before you choose to use a direct option, there are some key points you should understand. This will better prepare you and your family for what to expect when the time to use the services you choose comes. 

Ceremonies

One of the first things you should know about direct cremation services is that ceremonies are not part of the process. You will not have a memorial ceremony or a graveside service of any kind. The direct service is handled, in most cases, without any family or friends present. The body is taken to the crematorium and the cremation is performed fairly quickly. The family is then notified and the remains are made available for acceptance by the family. At that point any ceremony or memorial will be handled privately by the family.

Embalming

A common step in traditional funeral services is embalming. In most cremations, this step is skipped. In direct cremation, the process of embalming is not even a consideration. The body is cremated shortly after death which negates the need for embalming and any other body preservation process. If the body can not be cremated quickly, arrangements will be made with the local morgue and crematorium. You may, depending on the crematorium, have the option to state what you would like done in this type of situation.

Burial Fees

You may be wondering about burial fees since the burial of cremains is possible in some designated cemeteries. In direct cremation services, there are no burial services or related fees. The cremains are placed in an urn of your choice and given to the designated family member or family members for any burial or final arrangements. Keep in mind the direct cremation process is the most basic of the cremation services offering your basic cremation and urn services. 

When you are ready to discuss direct cremation or other cremation services and options for your end of life planning, contact a local crematorium like Danks-Hinski Funeral Home. A consultation will help answer questions, allow you to discuss further options, and help to settle any final service options you may have. You can also use this time to discuss the service with family members to prepare them for your final choices and requests.