Whilst cremation has become the most common choice for Australians, with 70% of people choosing cremation over burial, the concept of a direct cremation is still a bit of a mystery.
Many players in the funeral industry push for higher sales and profits, meaning the low-cost option is something not pushed or advertised altogether. And even then, some funeral homes will try to charge exorbitant prices.
At Light Cremations, we know a direct cremation is an incredible funeral option for so many people. To learn more about our simple cremation arrangements or to get a quote for a Light Cremation, click here, or give us a call on 0489 988 664.
Keep reading to learn more and see how we break down common myths and misconceptions about direct cremation.
Myth #1: Direct cremation is only for people who can’t afford other options.
Direct cremation is clearly an incredible option for those who wouldn’t be able to pay for a funeral in other circumstances. Too often we’ve heard horror stories of people taking out loans to pay for funerals or being upsold into spending much more than they’re comfortable with.
But that doesn’t mean direct cremation is only for those people. It’s a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to make a big fuss with a large funeral, for those who want the time and space to hold a memorial at a later date and those who would rather spend their money on anything else.
Myth #2: You can’t hold a funeral or memorial service with a direct cremation.
People assume that you need to do everything at once or on the same day, such as having a viewing and service before cremation. But this definitely isn’t true.
A direct cremation gives you the space and time to plan a farewell for your loved one, without the extreme time pressure. By taking this time, you have more opportunities to grieve and spend time with your loved ones, without the added stress of planning a funeral or memorial.
Once your loved one’s ashes have been delivered back to you, you have the freedom to plan a personalised memorial service. And that service can happen days, weeks or months after receiving the ashes. It can be whatever you want it to be.
Myth #3: Direct cremation has a negative impact on the grieving process.
Many people believe that you need to hold a traditional funeral to help through the grief of losing your loved one, particularly with viewing the body to provide closure.
However, this has also proven to be incorrect. A recent scientific study “Cremation and Grief: Are Ways of Commemorating the Dead Related to Adjustment Over Time?” discovered that a direct cremation is in fact no way harmful to the grieving process. In fact, the type of funeral service didn’t have an impact on how much grief was experienced in the weeks and months after the loss.
Interestingly, the study found that people who viewed the body of their spouse prior to cremation or burial experienced increased levels of grief compared to those who did not. However, this was only relevant to those who had lost their spouse or significant other, and not anyone who said goodbye to a parent or other friend or family member.
Myth #4: A direct cremation doesn’t allow for any control or customisation.
This misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. The options are endless as a direct cremation simply removes the cremation of the body from the farewell.
You can organise the most fitting and unique send offs for your loved ones, including:
- Sending ashes off in a fireworks display with Ashes to Ashes.
- Themed memorials - such as dressing all in their favourite colour or wearing a significant piece of clothing.
- Scattering at sea and replicating a viking send off.
- Backyard BBQ - everyone brings a plate.
- Hiring out the local RSL or community centre.
At Light, we can help you arrange a respectful and dignified basic cremation that saves thousands of dollars compared with traditional funeral providers. To learn more about our simple cremation arrangements or to get a quote for a Light Cremation, click here, or give us a call on 0489 988 664.