Direct crematories are facilities that are licensed to cremate the remains of the deceased without a traditional memorial service. You may decide to keep the ashes in a decorative urn at home.
Cremation is incineration of the remains of a deceased individual. It is currently the second most popular way of dealing with the remains of deceased persons,
after traditional burials. Cremation dates back to the religious practices of ancient cultures, and has been adapted to the burial practices of several religions and cultures in present times. It can be more economical than traditional funerals and burials, and has even been touted as being more environmentally friendly, especially in more heavily populated areas where space at cemeteries is at a premium.
After the cremation, portions of the ashes are usually placed in a container called an urn and kept by family members as a celebration of the life of a loved one. Sometimes the family decides to keep the ashes in a columbarium—a special niche for urns where the ashes are on permanent display. Some families choose to scatter the ashes ceremonially in a place where the deceased liked to spend time while alive.
What is Direct Cremation?
Direct crematories are facilities that are licensed to cremate the remains of the deceased without a traditional memorial service. The family is usually present at the beginning of the process to pay their respects, but have decided not to have a traditional funeral or memorial service.
Different direct cremation providers will have different prices, practices and choices for consideration. Some offer more options than others, so it is wise to check out several facilities before making a final decision. Never make your choice based on cost alone, as it can often lead to disappointment. Also be sure the facility operates with the highest degree of dignity and professionalism following a strict code of ethics.
How Can You be Certain the Cremated Remains You Receive are Your Loved Ones?
This question leads back to the answer given above - always make sure the direct cremation service operates with professionalism and within a strict code of ethics. Ask questions and also find out about private family viewing and family-witnessed cremation as a method of identification.
What to do After the Cremation
There are several things you can do with the ashes and urn after the cremation. A few of them are:
Scatter the ashes in a place that would have been special to the deceased. For instance, if the person enjoyed sitting on a bench by the ocean, the ashes could be scattered near that spot. Or if the person enjoyed a photograph of mountains, you could scatter them in the mountains during a hike.
You may decide to keep the ashes in a decorative urn at home. If you go with this choice, there are many styles of urns to choose from, with options made of metal, pottery, glass, and wood. Some people even make their own urns.
Another option for keeping the ashes of a loved one is to have a small portion enclosed in a piece of custom made jewelry. This option is gaining in popularity, and any good jewelry maker should be competent enough to handle a request for pendants, necklaces, charms, bracelets, broaches, etc. This option also makes it possible for many family members to have jewelry made as a memorial keepsake.
