4 Advantages Of Direct Cremation

Cremation has been used for funerary rites by many cultures throughout history. It's still a popular option that many people choose for themselves and their loved ones. Ordinarily, cremation occurs several days after a person has passed away, but direct cremation is performed immediately. Here are four advantages of direct cremation:

1. It is a low-cost alternative to other types of cremation.

Cremation is the most affordable funeral option. However, you can reduce the cost further by choosing direct cremation for your cremation needs. Direct cremation occurs soon after a person is deceased. The funeral home will retrieve the body of your deceased loved one and cremate it immediately. Since cremation happens right away, additional services, such as embalming to preserve the body until a viewing ceremony, are not required. People on a tight budget can take advantage of direct cremation.

2. It will allow you the opportunity to hold a funeral service at a later date.

If you pick direct cremation, you can still opt to hold a funeral service. The only thing you won't be able to do is hold a viewing ceremony. Many people value the opportunity to gather with loved ones to remember and celebrate the life of a deceased loved one, and you can still do that after your loved one is cremated. Some families are choosing to postpone their loved one's funerals until after the current pandemic crisis passes. Cremains are inert and aren't subject to decay, so direct cremation gives you the option of holding a funeral at a much later date if that works best for your family.

3. It will allow you to skip the paperwork.

Whenever a cremation is performed, a certain amount of paperwork is required. The funeral home must receive a copy of the deceased's death certificate. They'll also need a cremation permit from the local city government. The process of obtaining the obligatory permits and certificates can distress family members who have just lost a loved one. Fortunately, the funeral home can fill out the required paperwork for you. All you need to do is provide the birth certificate and death certificate for the person who passed away. The funeral director will take care of everything else.

4. It will allow you to choose what to do with your loved one's cremains.

After your loved one is cremated, their ashes will be returned to you in an urn. At that point, you'll have the freedom to choose what to do with their cremains. Some people have an ashes scattering ceremony. Others prefer to hold onto their loved one's ashes in a special urn designated for the purpose. For more information, contact a cremation service like Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel.