Direct Cremation Services and You
Most people don’t know that there are a few different kinds of cremations in Laplace, LA. From more traditional cremations with services and funerals to more simple options like direct cremations, you have lots of options when it comes to cremations. Let’s focus on one particular kind: direct cremations.
Direct cremation is a disposition method in which the deceased’s body is cremated almost immediately following death, without a funeral or memorial beforehand. One of the main reasons why people choose a direct cremation is because its more cost effective than other methods.
The body is cremated right after the death in a direct cremation. This means that the deceased’s family or loved ones can use a crematory service rather than a traditional funeral home, potentially saving money. There is no visitation, wake or viewing with a direct cremation. This allows the family to skip embalming the body, which also saves money. Family, loved ones, or executors can also choose to have the body cremated in a simple container, rather than a traditional and more expensive casket, as there is no need for ornamentation for a viewing or service.
Usually it’s the funeral home or crematory staff that takes care of all direct cremation arrangements and actions. This includes transporting the body to the crematory and completing a death certificate form. You can also work with a traditional funeral home for direct cremations. In this case, the funeral home will fill out the death certificate and bring the body to the crematory, which is often onsite at the funeral home. Take care to plan for what you’re doing with the cremated remains after the direct cremation. You can bury them in a crematory plot, columbarium, or pre-determined cemetery.
Direct cremation also allows family to plan a memorial service at a later date, allowing for scheduling flexibility so more people can attend. Also, a longer timeline means even more time to plan a personalized and unique service.
Direct cremation is becoming so popular that The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule made a list of laws that dictate your direct cremation rights including that you are not required to purchase or use a casket; the crematory or funeral home must furnish a wood box or alternate container for the direct cremation; and the funeral home or crematory must return the remains to you in an urn provided by yourself. If you do not provide and urn, they will return the remains to you in a basic container.
Direct cremation is a desirable option if you are looking to avoid costs such as preparing the body, casket, extensive transportation, or funeral services. Want to learn more?
Millet Guidry Funeral Home offers Laplace, LA cremation services, including direct cremations. If you have any more questions about direct cremation or would like to learn more about what we offer, please reach out. You can stop by and visit us or give us a call today. We would be happy to help in any way we can.
