Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy and with the current rising cost of living and the general busy nature of modern life, organising a funeral service and contacting loved ones, who may be all over the world, can feel incredibly daunting. This trend has led to a recent surge in direct burials or cremations, a more modern invention designed to better suit modern life while still giving families time to grieve and celebrate the life of the deceased.
Direct burials or cremations are exactly as they sound. There is no service or ceremony, the funeral home simply takes the body to the local ceremony or crematorium without the presence of loved ones or mourners. If it’s a direct cremation UK, the ashes are then sent to the deceased’s family. It’s up to the family and friends of the deceased when and whether they decide to hold a memorial service or wake to remember their loved one.
The Benefits of Direct Burial/Cremation
There are many benefits to choosing a direct burial over a traditional funeral service. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it is significantly less expensive. Direct services typically cost around £1000-1500, while traditional funerals can cost upwards of £5,000. This allows money to be spent elsewhere and also reduces the stress that a sudden funeral bill can have on a family.
Another benefit of a direct service is that it is much less stressful and time-consuming than a traditional funeral. With a direct burial or cremation, there is no need to arrange for a funeral service, visitation, or wake. This can be a huge relief for family members who are already grieving and may not have the energy or ability to coordinate a traditional funeral.
Another benefit of a direct service is that it is generally more environmentally friendly than a traditional funeral. Direct burials do not require the use of embalming fluids, which contain harmful chemicals.
Direct burial also allows for family members who are unable to attend on short notice or may leave aboard to still be a part of any ceremony or service. There is also less pressure to make sure everyone can attend and you aren’t also burdened with a sense of guilt or sadness that someone was unable to attend. Grieving is often a deep family affair and not seeing family who you miss can be incredibly difficult on top of all the other stress and pain.
The Downsides of Direct Burial/Cremation
Of course, there are also some downsides to direct burial. One is that direct cremation or burial can feel quite cold. Many still love the idea of a funeral service as it gives an opportunity to say goodbye and remember the deceased with all their loved ones present. Not having that ceremony can make the grieving process harder.
Another is that it can be difficult for some family members, particularly those older, to accept the lack of a ceremony. To many, a traditional service is a sign of respect and love and it runs the risk of breaking traditions and upsetting loved ones to not have a service, putting more stress on you to try and keep everyone happy.
