Is Direct Cremation Right for You?

by Rebecca Roberts Galloway | Sep 20, 2021

Update: Solace is now Tulip Cremation, the nation’s largest online direct cremation services provider, delivering world-class and compassionate care 24/7.

You may have already made the choice between burial or cremation, but have you considered a traditional funeral home service versus a direct cremation service?

Don’t worry if you are wondering what the difference is — most people haven’t heard of direct cremation.

Traditional Funeral Home Services vs. Direct Cremation Services

When a person has passed, their body can be taken into the care of a traditional funeral home or to a direct cremation service. Each has a funeral director and can secure death certificates, but there are distinct differences.

A traditional funeral home offers a package of services that take place at the funeral home.  The services typically include on-site planning, burial or cremation options, embalming, viewings in caskets and memorial services with flowers, music and program.

Direct cremation is a cremation that takes place “directly,” that is, without a funeral, service or viewing beforehand. Direct cremation offers a path for those who wish to honor their loved ones at a later memorial service, or for those who, for many reasons, prefer a simpler and more affordable process.

While the actual cremation process and end result is exactly the same, the price tag with direct cremation is much lower than a cremation through a traditional funeral home. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, direct cremation is $2,500 less on average than traditional cremation.

Traditional Funeral Home Cremation: $5,000

Direct Cremation Service: $2,495

Solace’s Direct Cremation Service: $995

If you’ve decided cremation is a better choice for yourself or a loved one than burial, these questions can help you decide if a direct cremation would be appropriate.

• Is it important to have services at a funeral home?
• Would you like to have a viewing in a casket?
• Are all of your loved ones able to gather in one location?
• Have you put away money or purchased funeral insurance?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, a traditional funeral home might be the right fit for your needs.  Otherwise, you might want to consider a direct cremation service, like Solace.

What makes Solace Different from other Direct Cremation Services?

Solace’s $995 price is our final price.  Unlike a majority of providers, Solace does not have a starting price and surcharge model. Our cremation services including transportation costs, cremation, all necessary paperwork and filings and the return of remains in a Solace temporary urn in-person or by USPS.

At Solace, we want you to make the choice that fits your family, values and budget. If your choice includes direct cremation, we’re here to help you 24/7.

Photo by Javier Allege Barros