What Is Direct Cremation?

Losing a loved one can be one of the most painful things we experience in life. On top of experiencing profound grief and loss, you must also plan cremation services, which can be both an emotional and financial burden.

Since 1975, CremationSociety.com has been helping Riverside and Imperial County families arrange cremation services for their loved ones. It is our mission to make this process as easy as possible, while also remaining sensitive to the challenges families in this position face.

Direct cremation is a thoughtful and affordable alternative to traditional cremation. Below, we answer some questions you might have about this process.

What Is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation, also called simple cremation, is when cremation occurs immediately after death. Because of this timing, funeral services must happen after cremation services have been completed. Direct cremation is a good option for families who are conscious of cost, who want a simplified cremation process, or who need time or flexibility when making funeral arrangements.

Once cremation services have been completed, you will receive your loved one’s ashes within one to three days. You do not have to purchase an urn, and are free to bring in an urn purchased elsewhere.

Cremation urn with candles.

At CremationSociety.com, your loved one’s care is our highest priority. We operate our own crematory, so your loved one never leaves our care. Only one individual is ever cremated at a time. We keep careful track of your loved one at all times and always know where they are, from the time they come into our care, until the time their remains reach their final destination.

We are dedicated to ethical care, and your loved one will be our staff’s highest priority for the entire duration of their cremation services.

How Does Direct Cremation Work?

Direct cremation typically occurs immediately after death. Once death occurs, we will pick up your loved one and bring them into our care, and your family can then choose whether to have a private viewing before the cremation. After cremation services are complete, we’ll arrange a time when you can pick up your loved one’s ashes. We can also arrange an alternate delivery method if you cannot pick up your loved one’s ashes in person.

However, if you need time to decide what you would like to do, we can keep your loved one in our care for up to 72 hours. If you decide to send your loved one to another cremation provider or funeral home, we can arrange for your loved one to be transferred there.

How Do I Plan A Direct Cremation?

While you can choose to make cremation arrangements before your loved one passes, that is not necessary. Once death has occurred, all you need to do is call us, and we will take care of everything, including obtaining death certificates and transportation, even if your loved one is located in another state.

If you are interested in preplanning your cremation services, you can call us to make arrangements. Preplanning is a way to ease the burden on your family when the time comes. All they will have to do is call us.

You do not have to make any appointments, or speak to a funeral director. It is our goal to make this process as easy for you as possible.

Serving California Families Since 1975

CremationSociety.com is dedicated to serving the communities of Temecula, Perris, Moreno Valley, Murrietta, Menifee, Mead Valley, and many other areas. We know this can be a difficult time, and we are here to help and answer any questions you might have about direct cremation. Please call us at 800-922-7773.