Traditional Vs. Direct Cremation: Which Is Right For You?

Planning a funeral service for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming when you’re already mired in grief. One of the first decisions to make is whether you want to opt for direct cremation or traditional cremation. Both have their benefits, depending on what you want to plan for the memorial service, the overall cost, and the speed of wrapping up loose ends. 

If you feel stuck deciding between the different cremation services, here’s what you should know: 

Traditional Cremation

A traditional cremation service might be the right fit if you want to work with a funeral director to plan a memorial service. Often, this type of service will include a few other expenses, such as embalming the body and preparing for a viewing. As a result, it may have a higher price tag than direct cremation services. 

However, the main benefit is that this route allows you to have a traditional funeral which can be great for offering closure to loved ones. You can work with the funeral home to arrange for cremation following the service. 

Some people still choose to have a second service, allowing them the opportunity to spread the ashes after the cremation. This is not typically held at the funeral home and takes place after the cremation service providers prepare the ashes. 

Direct Cremation Service

When a traditional funeral service is not a part of your loved one's wishes, you might decide to opt for direct cremation instead. The body is cremated without any other type of preparation, such as embalming, eliminating your ability to view the body one final time. 

It’s a quick and efficient process, moving your loved one directly from the place of death to the crematorium. Because of the fewer tasks for the funeral director, you’ll often find that direct cremation has a lower price tag. 

In a direct cremation, you also use a more cost-effective vessel instead of the more expensive casket that’s often involved in a traditional funeral. 

You can host a memorial service at a funeral home or plan an event where you scatter your loved one's ashes at a specific location. This can give grieving family members an opportunity to mourn and gain closure from the loss of their loved one. 

Getting the Cremation Services You Need

When it comes to the debate between traditional and direct cremation, there are no right and wrong answers. Everyone's personal preferences will dictate what type of service package is the right fit for their last wishes. Some people may prefer the more traditional funeral service, while others consider less formalized ritual. 

When you need cremation in Winnipeg, Alterna Cremation can help you decide which services are the truest fit for you. Allow us to help you make the end-of-life decisions that suit your needs and wishes the best.