Direct cremation means that the deceased is cremated without a blessing or farewell ceremony. The ashes are buried in an urn or scattered in accordance with the wishes of the next of kin or the deceased, and a memorial service can be held separately at a later time if desired.
In a direct cremation, the deceased is transported to the crematorium once the burial permit has been obtained. A direct cremation casket—the most affordable option offered by the funeral home—is used. After the cremation, the urn is ready for burial, or the ashes are ready to be scattered.
The scattering of ashes has become significantly more common in recent years. Ashes can be scattered in a memorial grove or into a body of water within a designated area. An actual urn is not required for the scattering process; the ashes are transported to the scattering site in a disposable cremation urn. Alternatively, biomass or sand urns that rapidly decompose in water may be used.
Direct cremation is a simple and often cost-effective option. It is suitable for situations where the deceased is not a member of the church, or where the next of kin prefer a highly simplified arrangement and wish to hold a memorial gathering at a later date.
