Direct cremations are becoming increasingly popular as a no-fuss farewell, and are often the cheapest option when considering saying goodbye to a loved one.
If you’re in the process of writing or amending your will, you may be considering a direct cremation to take the financial burden off any loved ones you leave behind, or you may be looking into an alternative means to say goodbye to someone who has recently passed.
Read on to find out what a direct cremation is, how this differs from a traditional cremation and if it could be right for you and your funeral wishes.
What is a direct cremation?
Direct burial or direct cremation is a cremation in which no funeral service or ceremony takes place. It is the most simple type of cremation available.
After passing, the deceased goes straight to the crematorium to be cremated, usually in a plain, simple coffin made from cardboard rather than solid wood.
The cremation will be held at a time suitable for the crematorium after which, the ashes will be returned to loved ones, to be kept or scattered.
Direct cremations are a popular option for those looking for a simple and cost-effective way to lay their loved one to rest, honouring the deceased without a traditional funeral service or visitation.
How do they differ from traditional cremations?
Direct cremations differ from traditional cremations in several ways. First, with a direct cremation, there is no viewing or visitation. The body will be taken directly to the crematorium where the cremation will take place, with no opportunity for family and friends to attend.
A direct cremation eliminates the need for embalming and other costly preparations. As a result, direct cremations are usually much less expensive than a traditional cremation.
The cost savings can range from several hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the services provided and the cemetery or crematory chosen. According to research from Sunlife, direct cremation in 2022 typically cost around £1,500. This is more than half of the cost of a basic funeral which averages in the region of £4,000.
Could a direct cremation be right for me?
Direct cremations offer families the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones in a meaningful way, without the expense and time-consuming process of planning a funeral.
Families can choose to hold a memorial service or celebration of life at a later date, or simply keep the remains as a private reminder of their loved one.
As there are no timed proceedings, a direct cremation allows for more flexibility than a traditional funeral which must take place shortly after passing. This gives families more time to plan a memorial service which may be helpful if families and loved ones live a distance away.
Likewise, if you’d prefer to avoid a funeral or cremation service as a matter of preference or for religious reasons, a direct cremation means you can have a fuss-free send off.
Getting help from Curtis Whiteford Crocker
At Curtis Whiteford Crocker, we provide help to people in Devon looking to draft and finalise their will, without any risk of ambiguity. Our friendly team is here to help you during this time and can advise you on making your wishes clear.
Get in touch with one of our offices in Plymouth, Torpoint, Tavistock or Plymstock.