How Is Direct Cremation Different From Traditional Cremation Services?

Direct cremation in Westerville, OH, is the process of taking the deceased body directly from the place of death to a crematorium, either independently owned or via a funeral home. Traditional cremation services, however, could include traditional funerary ceremonies, like a public viewing and visitation at a funeral home before the cremation. The body could also be embalmed if the family chooses, making it easier for a funeral to be planned for days after someone has died.

For many people, direct cremation is the more cost-effective, straightforward option, since not everyone is prepared to mourn the loss of a loved one in a public environment, like a funeral home. In the process of direct cremation, loved ones will receive the cremated remains within two weeks of cremation. From there, they can do what they want with the ashes.

How Much Does Direct Cremation Cost, on Average?

Direct cremation is the most affordable disposition method. Depending on the crematorium and city policies, it could cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, and this is without the formality of a funeral or memorial service.

In cases where an unclaimed person dies, direct cremation is paid for by the state. The cremated remains are then inurned in a designated crypt by the funeral home. The funeral home or crematorium keeps careful records of details about the deceased, so anyone that comes looking for the ashes can sign for and claim them. Unclaimed ashes are stored for up to five years. If they go unclaimed after the five-year mark, they are scattered by the funeral director.

For ashes that have been claimed, loved ones have six weeks from the time of cremation to collect them. After cremation, the ashes are usually passed onto the funeral director to await reclamation.

Is the Deceased’s Body Placed Inside of Anything for Direct Cremation?

Caskets aren’t always a viable, affordable method for direct cremation, but crematoriums use combustible materials to house the deceased’s body before and during incineration. This could be a cardboard or simple wooden coffin, both of which will burn down as organic matter as the retort reaches between 1,800- to 2,000-degrees Fahrenheit.

After cremation, the bone matter has been reduced to a gravel-like substance. Crematorium workers will then grind the remains into a fine powder, which is then placed in a box or urn for reclamation.

Can Loved Ones Choose to Witness Direct Cremation?

There are no laws against watching a cremation. However, it’s the decision of the funeral home or the crematorium. Each crematorium or funeral home is free to make and enforce its own regulations, so it’s best to ask if you can witness a cremation before assuming.

That said, attending a direct cremation is generally a “no” from most funeral homes and crematoriums. The process is simplified, so, unless traditional cremation services, there’s not enough space in the room to accommodate witnesses.

There are several disposition methods to consider after a loved one passes away, and direct cremation has become one of the most popular services. Traditional cremation and funerals aren’t for everyone. Direct cremation gives loved ones peace of mind while allowing them to grieve in ways that best suit them.

You can learn more about direct cremation in Westerville, OH. Talk to us at Buckeye Cremation by Schoedinger to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services. Visit our office in Ohio or call our location.