Direct Cremation Facts

Cremation rates have increased steadily in both the U.S. and Canada since 1970 when the rates were 3.56% and 5.89% respectively. Although the rates in 2012 varied from state to state and province to province, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national averages were 43.17% in the U.S. and 63.18% in Canada.

The Cremation Association of North America outlines nine factors influencing the increased demand for cremations:

• People are dying older and choosing cremation for themselves
• Migration to retirement locations is increasing
• Cremation has become acceptable
• Environmental considerations are becoming more important
• Level of education is rising
• Ties to tradition are becoming weaker
• Regional differences are diminishing
• Religious restrictions are diminishing
• Greater flexibility in memorialization services

According to the funeral-industry sponsored Wirthlin Report from 2006, the five primary reasons why cremation is chosen are:

1. Saves Money (30%)
2. Saves Land (13%)
3. Simpler (8%)
4. Body Not in Earth (6%)
5. Personal Preference (6%)

Cremation over burial is less expensive, requires no land use, and ashes can be interred, scattered or kept in a keepsake urn.

Direct Cremation - A Personal Choice

• Direct cremation is a personal choice made because of a personal preference or financial restraints.
• There is a significant range of prices associated with direct cremation so it’s important to ask for quotes from funeral professionals before proceeding. The costs vary from region to region and from provider to provider. Please ensure the cost of the actual cremation is incorporated in any quote. A funeral professional’s direct cremation fee will include disbursements (transportation of remains, legal documents, obituary, etc.).
• A traditional casket is not required for cremation. Licensed funeral professionals must provide alternative container options that are made from such materials as cardboard or plywood.
• Under normal circumstances, embalming is not required prior to direct cremation.
• Following the cremation, family members can choose from a number of options for final disposition: inter in cemetery plot or place in columbarium, scatter, or keep urn in another location.
• A memorial service of any kind can be organized by the family at any time, in any location following the cremation. Some type of ceremony is recommended because it provides family and friends with the opportunity to say a final goodbye, share memories and support one another. The diversity of a memorial service is only limited by the imagination of family members arranging the event.
• Ask questions! Ask for quotes! Compare prices and services!