With direct cremation, there are no services after death. The deceased is cremated as soon as possible, without ceremony, embalming, or viewing. Costs can add up quickly after a loved one dies. So direct cremation offers a way to keep costs down without adding to your burden.
What Is Direct Cremation, and What Does It Mean?
Direct cremation means your loved one’s body is transported directly to the crematorium after death. Your family will meet with a representative who explains and coordinates the process. They will obtain a death certificate and permission for the cremation. And then they will proceed with the cremation, itself.
It’s natural to have questions about what happens to your loved one during the cremation process. Let’s look at some of them.
How Long Does a Direct Cremation Take?
From the time of death, it generally takes 2-4 days for a cremation to happen. Contrary to what most people think, your loved one is not cremated immediately upon arrival.
Instead, they are held at the crematory or funeral home while the necessary contracts and paperwork are complete.
It is called “direct” or “simple” because there is no visitation or funeral service before cremation.
What Paperwork is Necessary for Direct Cremation?
Four forms are needed for a cremation to occur.
- Signed contract between funeral home or cremation provider
- Cremation authorization form
- Death certificate
- Medical Examiner approval
A signed contract between the provider and the deceased’s next of kin is the first paperwork needed for a direct cremation. The funeral home or crematory will meet with you to explain their costs, services, and general timelines. The contract shows that you agree to their terms and will pay the fees.
Next, the next-of-kin must sign an authorization form for your loved one to be cremated. Before death, you or your designated Power of Attorney can sign your own form, which the funeral home keeps on file. After death, each next-of-kin needs to sign the authorization. So if Mom has three children, then all three will sign this form, even if they’re out of state. Sometimes it takes a day or two to coordinate all necessary signatures.
While all this is happening, the deceased’s doctor has up to 72 hours (3 days) to sign the death certificate. Sometimes, it is the medical examiner who will sign it. Who signs depends on factors of death such as illness or accident.
Once the death certificate is signed, the medical examiner gives permission for the cremation (or burial) to proceed. They may have up to 48 hours (2 days) to sign this final authorization.
So you can see that direct cremation still takes a little time and isn’t immediate.
What Does Direct Cremation Cost?
While direct cremation is usually the most cost-effective way to deal with the financial burden of death, the costs vary depending on any additional options you choose.
On average, direct cremation costs between $800-$1,500. However, you may find providers who offer the basic services for less. For example, Harmony Cremations in Brooklyn, New York offers direct cremation starting at $595.
Differing costs don’t necessarily mean that one provider is better or worse than another. For example, a company that only provides direct cremation may have a lower overhead than one that also has a meeting room for memorial services.
Read: How Much Is Cremation in Florida?
What Are The Benefits of Direct Cremation?
Beyond cost savings, time is another benefit of direct cremation. With no rush to have a funeral service before burial or cremation, your family can take time to plan a memorial.
Time means the family can plan a meaningful memorial service for their loved one that works better for everyone’s schedule. Rather than paying higher emergency flight costs, relatives from across the country can plan for their trips.
Another benefit of direct cremation is the ability to easily transport your loved one’s remains. This is important, especially for those who want to bury the ashes in another state or country. It is much easier to transport an urn than a full casket.
Can You Still Have a Memorial Service?
As I mentioned above, you can definitely still have a memorial service when you select direct cremation for your loved one. You now have more time to choose the perfect time and location for your extended family’s needs.
Often the funeral home will help you plan a service, even if it is months down the road. You can still use their facility or another one of your choosing. The funeral home or crematory can also provide printed programs, even if you have the service at another location.
Can You Watch the Cremation Process?
Many funeral homes and crematories offer a “Witness Cremation” service. By choosing this option, families usually get the opportunity to view their loved ones for identification as well as for final goodbyes.
Then you watch through a window as the crematory operator places the cremation casket into the retort and begins the process. Some families want to stay for the entire cremation process, but most simply want to witness these beginning steps.
Ten or fewer people are usually allowed at a Witness Cremation service, with a limit to immediate family members. Check with your funeral home for the exact headcount allowance.
What Kind of Casket Is My Loved One Cremated In?
The body of your loved one is placed in a simple container, usually made of heavy cardboard for the cremation process. You always have the choice to choose a cremation casket, which is made of non-metal materials.
But honestly, for a direct cremation the extra cost involved for a nicer container isn’t necessary. The simple container works very well without an extra financial burden.
What Happens to My Loved One’s Ashes After a Direct Cremation?
Once the chamber has cooled after the cremation process, the operator removes any metals that may have been in your loved one’s body. This could be something like a titanium hip replacement or silver tooth filling.
The remaining ashes are processed so that all remaining bone fragments are reduced. And finally, the ashes are placed inside a heavy-duty plastic bag. A metal identification tag, which has been with your loved one throughout the process, remains with the ashes.
What Kind of Urn is Used in Direct Cremation?
If you have provided an urn to the funeral home (or purchased one from them), the operator will place your loved one’s ashes into it. Otherwise, they will use a labeled and simple cardboard container.
You have many choices when it comes to purchasing an urn. The funeral home or crematory usually has a large collection in their showroom. They also have catalogs available. Once you make a selection, they order the urn and it arrives in time for your loved one.
Online shopping is another option for urns. Simply type “cremation urn” into Google and you will be directed to quite a few online shops. Buyers will even find a beautiful collection on Amazon.
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In addition, you can find very suitable non-traditional containers to use as urns at home good and hobby stores. So the choice is really yours to celebrate your loved one in the manner that feels comfortable to your family.
What Do You Do With the Ashes After Direct Cremation?
You also have a lot of choices in the disposition of your loved one’s ashes. And there really is no right or wrong answer. It comes down to how your family personally chooses to honor the deceased.
- If you’ve selected a permanent urn, you can keep it in your home. Some people like the feeling of closeness it gives them to their loved one.
- Burial at a cemetery in a columbarium (above ground) or in a burial plot (below ground) is another option.
- Scattering the ashes also is a valid option. There are temporary urns made specifically for this purpose. They look pretty and help in the act of letting the ashes go. Check with your funeral director for more information about where you can legally scatter the ashes.
- Have custom jewelry, an art piece or painting made from a portion of the ashes. Just as in urn choices, there are many options for customization.
- Get a tattoo with a portion of the ashes in the ink. While this choice isn’t for everyone, it definitely is an option.
Conclusion
Direct cremation offers your family an affordable and easy alternative for dealing with your loved one’s remains. In just a few short steps, you’ll be able to send your loved one off in a dignified manner. Then plan to honor and celebrate them on your own terms as your family has the time to gather.
- Sign the authorization form, while the funeral home works in the background to obtain other necessary paperwork and signatures.
- Know that you have time to plan for a future memorial service without the pressure of immediacy.
- Work with the funeral home to set a time for a Witness Cremation, if desired.
- Select an urn for the ashes.
- Decide on a disposition of the ashes: scattering, burial, keeping, making art or jewelry.
