You and your spouse (or significant other) are contemplating how you want your body and remains handled when you pass. You’ve clearly thought about this for some time and have decided that you want a direct cremation, but are still struggling with whether it’s a good idea. And this is because it can be a big decision to make that has a wide range of effects on all aspects of your life and everyone else who cares about you.
The main difference between a direct cremation and a cremation is service. Direct cremation does not include a service or a viewing. With direct cremation, the deceased (and their remains) are simply cremated, and their remains are returned. There is no service or viewing, and anything else that is to be done with their remains is accomplished by the next of kin.
The upside of a direct cremation is that you don’t have to pay for the service of the funeral home.
In the case of the service, any additional fees would be for a cremation container (if you don’t have one that you want to use), or a cremation casket (if you aren’t using a cremation container), and fees associated with a funeral home.
Most people who opt for direct cremation do so to save money. They have a basic understanding of what a direct cremation entails, and they don’t need any extras. However, the disadvantage of a direct cremation is that it removes you from the viewing, service, or any other form of public recognition of the deceased. This can be difficult for the family, especially those who are adamant about having a viewing or a service.
Without question, the choice to have a direct cremation is a very personal one. In many cases, it’s not a good idea, especially if there are children or grandchildren who wish to see their deceased loved one last time.
The most important thing you can do to ensure that you’ll have the best and most dignified funeral service possible is to plan ahead.
The more time you spend planning ahead, the more time you’ll have to understand better all of the options that you have and what you want to do when it’s time to plan your funeral.
Another way is to talk with the family about your wishes and ensure that everyone is on the same page. If you want to go ahead with a direct cremation, you also need to make sure that your wishes are carried out as you want them to be. And if you are set on having a direct cremation, then be sure to write everything out in a document that you can hand down to the family.
Whether or not you decide to go with direct cremation, the most important thing is to plan ahead. The more time you spend planning ahead, the more time you’ll have to understand better all the options that you have and what you want to do when it’s time to plan your funeral.
Do you need California cremation services? Ashes to Ashes Corporation is a state-licensed simple cremation provider. You can make arrangements via phone, email or in the comfort of your home. We serve all of Southern California, and we have offices in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, CA. Get in touch with us.
