How to Decide if Direct Cremation is Good Choice?

Cremation Society of Milwaukee • February 13, 2023

Choosing a cremation option for your dearly departed loved ones is a tough choice to make. This article is our way of giving you guidance before deciding. 

direct cremation in Shorewood, WI

Considering direct cremation in Shorewood, WI may be new territory for you, and you likely have some questions. There's a lot to think about when selecting an urn for cremated remains, whether it's a traditional cremation urn or something more unique. But the method of cremation comes first. Whether you're trying to determine if direct cremation is the right choice for your loved ones, we provided this article to help you. 


What is Direct Cremation? 


One method of cremation is called "direct cremation," and it entails just the bare minimum of steps. Direct cremation is exactly what it sounds like: the corpse is cremated, and the ashes are given back to the family. Traditional funeral trappings like as a memorial ceremony, visiting hours, flowers, ceramic urns, burial sites, and the like are not part of the basic cremation process. 


Taking direct cremation into consideration might be difficult; you'll need to think through the implications for you and your loved ones carefully. Read on for a list of benefits that you'll enjoy when you choose the direct cremation route. 


Advantages of Direct Cremation 


While direct cremation might save you a lot of money on funeral home expenses, you can save even more money by purchasing your burial plot and headstone from a dedicated vendor. Many of the expenses associated with a typical funeral are unnecessary if cremated ashes are not buried. 


If you choose for direct cremation, you may save the following expenses: 


  • Funeral homes have a high cost of operation because to the high cost of casket embalming. 
  • Costs associated with Hair and Beauty Services 
  • Costs associated with a funeral service at a religious institution 
  • fees for viewings or visits 
  • Payment for travel (hearse, flower car, utility vehicle, etc.) 
  • The act of constructing a tomb or mausoleum prices associated with opening and shutting a grave, if applicable (e.g., a crypt or a liner) 
  • Gravestone, or another kind of burial marker 


Direct cremation has several benefits, not the least of which is its low cost. Ashes from a cremation may be taken wherever, which is why the practice is popular. When relocating, families may take their loved ones' remains with them. Many people also believe that cremation is more environmentally friendly than burial since it does not need any new land to be used. 


Moreover, direct cremation is less time-consuming and more convenient. A direct cremation may be completed in as little as two or three days, and it reduces the burden on grieving loved ones. When loved ones are unwell, incapacitated, or located far away, this may be extremely helpful. 


There is much flexibility in cremation arrangements. Although most families choose to bury or cremate their loved ones, there are alternative possibilities. 


It's true that direct cremation has many advantages, but it's also got certain drawbacks and disadvantages. 


Direct Cremation Disadvantages 


A simpler direct cremation may not be therapeutic enough for surviving family members, since many feel solace in conducting a conventional funeral ceremony. In addition, there is no time for a funeral or memorial service, so loved ones and friends who couldn't be there for the funeral can't say their last goodbyes. 


Moreover, since the funeral home loses money on direct cremation services, the staff may attempt to upsell you on more expensive options. Finally, although you may be able to avoid spending money on a burial plot or monument, doing so will still need further outlay for an urn. 


With the facts above, it's now up to you and your family to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of direct cremation in Shorewood, WI and determine whether it's the best option. 


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