Direct Cremation and Direct Burial
Contents
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What is Direct Cremation and Direct Burial?
Direct cremation and direct burial are where the cremation or burial take place without an accompanying service or ceremony and with no mourners or officiants present.
Direct Cremation
A Simple, Unattended Direct Cremation
Direct cremation, also known as a simple cremation, is when the cremation takes place without the presence of family, friends, mourners or a minister or celebrant. Direct cremation is increasingly popular, particularly when cost is an important factor. After the cremation, the ashes are returned to the family in the usual way.
Whilst mourners do not attend the cremation, a memorial service or celebration of life can be held either on the day in another location, or at a later date.
Here are some of the main features of a simple direct cremation:
- Unattended cremation: no mourners, ministers or celebrants are present when the cremation takes place
- No ceremony or service at the crematoria: there is no ceremony or service at the crematoria before or after the cremation
- No choice of time or place: the cremation takes place at a time and place chosen by the cremation provider
- Simple coffin: the body is placed in a simple coffin or shroud
- No ‘extras’: there is no hearse, flowers or other adornments
- Return of the ashes: the ashes are returned to the family either by collection or delivery
- Flexibility: a memorial service, celebration of life, or ashes scattering can be held at a later date, giving family greater choice of venue and time to plan
- Cost-effective: direct cremation is often a more affordable option than a traditional cremation or burial (see Costs of a Funeral with a Cremation)
Attended Direct Cremation
Increasingly, cremation providers are offering a range of options for direct cremation, with the option of a small number of mourners to be present, or enabling families to choose additional services at extra cost. This may include:
- Choice of coffin
- Fresh flowers to be placed with their loved one on the day
- Photos taken as a memento
- A recording or live streaming of the cremation
Direct Burial
Like direct cremation, direct burial usually takes place without family, friends, mourners or an officiant present. Very few direct burials take place in the UK, but it is a service that some funeral providers offer.
Here are some of the features of a direct burial:
- Direct transfer to the cemetery: the deceased goes straight to the burial site
- No ceremony or service: there is no ceremony or service at the time of the burial, although sometimes a small number of mourners can be present at the graveside
- Simple coffin or covering: the body is placed in a simple coffin or shroud, which is often biodegradable to facilitate decomposition
- Flexibility: a memorial service, celebration of life, or ashes scattering can be held at a later date, giving family greater choice of venue and time to plan
- Cost-effective: direct burial is often a more affordable option than a traditional burial (see Costs of a Funeral with a Burial)
As with direct cremation, some funeral providers offer the option of enhancements at an extra cost.
Holding a Memorial Service or Celebration of Life Following a Direct Cremation or Burial
Gathering family and friends together to support each other after a bereavement and to share stories and memories of the person who has died can be an important part of the grieving process. Many people choose to hold a memorial service or celebration of life at a later date. This can take place whenever and wherever they like, perhaps at home or in a place that was special to their person, for example on a beach, or in their favourite cafe or pub.
How whiteballoon Can Help
You can find ideas and inspiration throughout whiteballoon, including in our Inspiration and Information pages.
Our Provider Directory links through to funeral directors, celebrants, funeral locations, Funeral Reception & Wake Venues, and other people and organisations that can help you every step of the way.
