Direct Cremation Or Classic Cremation - The Difference

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Direct Cremation Or Classic Cremation - The Difference
By L. Allan Ellis

In the present economy many people are looking to cremation as a lower cost alternative. This article is about the basic types of cremation in the funeral process and the options that surround cremation. Cremation is a very large industry. The death rate in America hovers around one-hundred percent. So I want to examine the types of cremation. There are different types that you need to be aware of because when death strikes your home you must know your options and how it affects your family.

Classic cremation. This may be called by a different name depending on the funeral home. This allows the family to view the body of their loved one prior to the cremation process and typically includes the embalming process. Similar to a funeral in that your loved one may be in a casket that is designed for cremation. This casket is made using completely combustible materials and only a trained eye can tell the difference from a standard casket. The visitation and funeral service may be held at the mortuary or church and is usually no different than a traditional funeral. At the completion of the funeral service your loved one is then taken to the crematory. A family member may then come to the funeral home and pick up the remains at a later date.

Direct Cremation. This is a process that few people truly understand. While it certainly less expensive it generally does not allow the family to view the body prior to the cremation process. The body of your loved one is transferred from the place of death to the funeral home. Their body may or may not be cleaned and sanitized. This type of cremation does not involve embalming. The body of your loved one will then be taken to the crematory. Many funeral homes do not own their own retort or cremation units and their cremations are contracted out to a crematory service. This effects the return time of the remains and affects the timing of the memorial service. The memorial service is a service without the body present and may be held before or after the cremation process.

Either of these cremation services have a place in society. Also many states require that a minimum alternative container be used in the cremation process if a combustible casket is not used. This is usually made of cardboard and fulfills local and state regulations. These are the basic types of cremation and may vary in name and service from funeral home to funeral home.

While it may seem strange to consider these options before a loved one dies, considering the complete spectrum of options is less burdensome than having to make arrangements with the emotional burden of the death of a loved one with no preparation. The basic types of cremation are Classic Cremation and Direct Cremation. Each has a place in society but, may differ in cultures. Cremation is growing as an alternative in America and you must understand the process before death strikes in your home.

About the Author

L. Allan Ellis represents funeral service providers across the State of Arizona.

He can be reached at 602-481-7797.

To receive your free copy of 7 Things to Remember When Planning A Funeral visit http://www.azfuneralplanning.com

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