The way Americans view death-related ceremonies has changed. 50 years ago, less than 10 percent of people chose cremation for their disposition, and 10 years ago, funeral and burial services were still the most popular disposition option. In 2015, though, cremation became the number one disposition choice for Americans, and it’s only gaining in popularity.



Several types of cremation services have emerged as a result. Direct cremation is one such service and offers several peace-of-mind-related advantages that families could really use while going through the grieving process. We’ve listed them here to illustrate why direct cremation is gaining in popularity.

Death often occurs suddenly, and therefore many families find themselves making funeral arrangements suddenly. This isn’t easy during the best of times, but throw in grief, stress, cost, and very tight deadlines – and it’s understandable why most families dread the process.

By contrast, direct cremation is extraordinarily easy to set up. In fact, you can do it all online, and either in advance or when death occurs. In both cases, you’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself and the deceased. You’ll also have the opportunity to add on extra goods or services, such as an ornamental urn or delivery of ashes.

If you only require direct cremation, you don’t have to work with a funeral home or anyone else to ensure disposition is performed. The direct cremation service takes care of everything, including:

• Transport from place of death to the mortuary
• Refrigeration
• Death certificates and state approval for cremation
• Transport from mortuary to crematory
• Securing and storing ashes prior to delivery or pickup

You may be present during cremation if you prefer, but it’s possible to arrange for direct cremation even if you can’t be present – even if you’re on the other side of the globe.

The cost of a traditional funeral service (with burial) has increased rapidly over time. Since 1986, funeral expenses and the cost of burial caskets has increased by more than 250 percent. That’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s twice as much as the typical good or service in the same timeframe. In 2021, the average cost of a funeral with burial and viewing was $8,805.



Most families don’t have nearly $10,000 they can spend on disposition services. Most people don’t want to leave their loved ones with such a heavy financial burden. And even among cremation services, those with a memorial or viewing still cost several thousand dollars.

Direct cremation services are an answer to these rising funeral and memorial service expenses. On average, families spend about 80 percent less on direct cremation than they would on a traditional service and cremation. In some cases, it’s 90 percent less.

Cost is a factor for most of us, and direct cremation is a low-cost, but high-dignity option that many people choose for themselves.

While memorial services can be combined with direct cremation, it isn’t necessary. Death is sacred and personal, and families aren’t all expected to memorialize the same way.



Direct cremation fits into this idea better than any other disposition method. With direct cremation, families can take all the time they need to put together memorial arrangements, as long as a viewing isn’t required. In some cases, memorial services are scheduled up to several months following cremation.

With an extended timeline to work with, your family can honor a loved one exactly the way they wish, with personal touches that may not be available with a standard memorial service. For example, maybe your loved one has a favorite park they spent a lot of time at. Maybe they have a special connection to the home they grew up in, or a place they always wanted to travel and visit.

With direct cremation, you can hold onto your loved one’s ashes until the time is right, and then store, spread, or bury them. Whatever feels appropriate for your family and for the deceased.

Your loved one’s dignity is important no matter the disposition method. It’s natural for families to have questions regarding how their loved one will be handled.

Fortunately, families can rest easy knowing that their direct cremation provider is licensed to perform the job. In fact, direct cremation services are regulated with the same laws that govern the entire funeral industry. This includes providing family members with transparent pricing and allowing them to easily purchase only what’s needed for cremation.

Before direct cremation services can perform services, they must be licensed as a direct disposer. Licensing involves education and training in the proper, dignified handling of human remains. With a reputable direct cremation service, you’re working with a team licensed to do the job they offer.

For some people, the decision to go with direct cremation has to do with environmental impact. Between embalming chemicals, chemically treated caskets, and diminishing cemetery space, there are several environmental issues associated with a traditional funeral and burial service.

These issues don’t exist with direct cremation. No embalming fluids are ever used, and while you can opt for a casket with direct cremation, it isn’t necessary. The resulting cremains are nontoxic and can be spread without fear of causing any form of environmental harm.



In life, those who considered the environment in their decision making usually want that focus reflected in their disposition. Direct cremation aligns better with a green lifestyle than any other form of disposition.

Death-related decisions are never easy, but direct cremation makes them a little easier. With minimal costs, maximum flexibility and several more benefits of note, direct cremation is a dignified, but simple disposition option that can work for all types of families.