Direct Cremation

With the high cost of funerals today, many families decide to plan a direct cremation.  Many believe that if they choose direct cremation they will be limited to a very simple service or no service at all.  Direct cremation in no way prevents families from carrying out traditions, ceremonies or rituals.  In fact, you will find that planning a direct cremation introduces family and friends to more possibilities that might not have been considered with a traditional funeral.  We understand that losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult challenges.  In honor of your loved one, Funeral & Cremation Emporium will assist you in planning every detail. 

Deciding to have direct cremation doesn’t mean that you are not able to have a gathering for family and friends to celebrate the life that was lived.  You may decide against having a viewing or traditional funeral but you can still allow family and friends to gather to reminisce and share memories.  In order to begin the healing process, close family and friends will find it rewarding to communicate their emotions through an intimate gathering to say their final good-bye following the direct cremation.  Often people regret the decision to plan a direct cremation without any form of ceremony because it deprives family and friends of a final farewell. If you decide to have any type of gathering, whether simple or elaborate, with or without the cremated remains present, you will be planning a memorable tribute to your loved one that everyone who attends will look back upon warmly.

Please remember to discuss all of your decisions with other immediate family members because a direct cremation is an irreversible process.  We would like to take a few moments of your time to help you more comfortably understand the direct cremation process. When a loved one passes away, the decedent is transferred directly to the crematory and placed in refrigeration until the cremation process begins.  Embalming of human remains is not required for a direct cremation to take place, therefore many families opt to have their loved one placed in refrigeration until cremation begins.  If a cremation casket is not selected the deceased will be placed in an alternate container which is typically constructed of wood or cardboard.  By law, during a direct cremation, only one human body at a time may be cremated in a cremation chamber.  Cremation chambers are designed to accommodate no more than one adult.  Heat (1500-2000 Degrees Fahrenheit), flame and evaporation will reduce the human remains in a period of 2-3 hours to bone fragments that resemble white or light gray sand and weigh about 3-9lbs. after direct cremation takes place.  Upon completion of the direct cremation, all fragments are drawn into a stainless steel cooling pan connected to the chamber.  Through magnets and visual inspection any remaining metal work (artificial joints, bridge work and metal from clothing) is then separated from the cremated remains.  (Dental work such as gold and silver are not recoverable and are commingled with the cremated remains.)  The cremated remains are then placed in a machine that will process them to a consistent size and place them inside of a cremation urn or temporary receptacle of the family’s choosing. (Note: Other then the microscopic particles which are impossible to remove from the chamber or processor; all the cremated remains are returned to the family following direct cremation.)

Once direct cremation is completed, you must decide on the final disposition for your loved one.  You may want to have your loved one buried in a family cemetery plot or niche, scattered at sea or on land or keep them in your possession at home. A permanent memorial such as planting a tree in remembrance, placing a cemetery marker on the grave or keeping a decorative urn in your home, all have important emotional value.  If you decide to have your loved one’s cremated remains scattered in a favorite place following direct cremation, you may want to keep a minute portion of the cremated remains and place them in a small keepsake urn for an everlasting memorial. 

A direct cremation is nearly a ¼ the cost of a traditional burial service.  This savings will relieve financial strain and undue stress that a family does not need placed upon them during this tragic time.  Being a nationwide leader in the industry enables us to offer you a dignified direct cremation at the lowest possible price.  Making any kind of arrangements involves various difficult decisions and choices.  Please take the time to consider all the options and to ask questions about direct cremation before making a final decision.  Our courteous staff will coordinate, prepare and supervise all arrangements that are fitting to you and your loved one.  Please don’t hesitate to contact our professionals at any hour; we are available to lend our helping hand 24 hours a day.  For more information on a direct cremation please complete our contact us form and brochures will be mailed to your home immediately.