What Is A Simple Cremation? Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a funeral is always stressful; for many families, the choice between cremation and burial is often difficult. If your deceased loved one expressed their wishes to be cremated or if you as a family choose cremation, you might be surprised to learn there are different varieties of cremation, including simple cremation.
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about simple cremation.
What Is Simple Cremation?
Otherwise known as direct cremation, simple cremation is a basic form of cremation that occurs right after death. There is no funeral or viewing of the body before the cremation. The body is not embalmed or prepared by the funeral home. Instead, when the individual passes away, the body is taken directly to the crematorium and is cremated.
The ashes are then placed into a simple urn or container and given to the family members.
What Are the Other Types of Cremation?
The biggest difference between a simple cremation and other forms of cremation is that there is typically no service and instead, the cremated remains are presented to the family. If you want to choose cremation but also want to have a funeral service, there are other types of cremation, including:
- Traditional cremation. The body is typically prepared or embalmed and there is a viewing before the body is cremated and the remains placed into an urn.
- Memorial cremation. There is a memorial service without the cremated remains or prepared body present.
- Cremation after donation to science. If the deceased individual donates their body to science, the organization that received the body, such as a hospital or medical school, will cremate the body and give the ashes to the family.
Understanding the cremation type that is right for your family and loved one can be tricky. Talk to a funeral home representative to help you determine which type of cremation is right for your loved one.
What Are the Benefits of Simple Cremation?
Aren't sure if direct cremation is right for your loved one and family? There are several benefits to direct cremation. For example, direct cremation is often the most cost-effective option. Because you are cremating the body right after death, the body does not need to be prepared and you do not need to pay for a funeral or wake.
Simple cremation is also more environmentally friendly. The chemicals used to prepare a body, including formaldehyde, can be dangerous to the environment. The metals used to build caskets do not degrade quickly, which can negatively impact the cemetery's soil.
For many families, direct cremation is the right choice. Contact a professional for more information about simple cremation.