What is direct cremation?
Direct cremation occurs without a formal viewing of the body, visitation or ceremony with the body present. Typically, funeral homes offer a direct cremation package which often includes the ‘basic services fee’ (non-declinable fee charged by funeral homes for staff services and overhead), removal of the body from the place of death, and transportation to the crematory. The price of the actual cremation and securing permits and other paperwork may be listed separately, depending on the funeral home. Direct cremation is often the least expensive means of disposition.
The body is cremated shortly after death, without embalming. The cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container. No viewing or visitation is involved, although a memorial service may be held, with or without the cremated remains present. The remains can be kept in the home, buried or placed in a crypt or niche in a cemetery, or buried or scattered in a favorite spot. Direct cremation usually costs less than the “traditional,” full-service funeral. Costs include the funeral home’s basic services fee, as well as transportation and care of the body. A crematory fee may be included or, if the funeral home does not own the crematory, the fee may be added on.There also will be a charge for an urn or other container. The cost of a cemetery plot or crypt is included only if the remains are buried or entombed. Funeral providers who offer direct cremations also must offer to provide an alternative container that can be used in place of a casket.
The body is transferred from the place of death to the funeral home and held 24 hours as per Illinois state law. Once the proper authroizations and permits are obtained and completed the body is cremated . With Direct Cremation there is no public viewing of the body, no visitation and no funeral service before the cremation process.The cremated remains are then returned to the family for final disposition. A Family Gathering or Memorial Service is often held at a later date with or without the cremated remains present to commemorate the life of the deceased person.
