Glossary
What is direct cremation?
Direct cremation is cremation that takes place soon after death with no viewing, visitation, or ceremony beforehand. It is usually the lowest-cost cremation option, and any memorial the family wants can be held separately, later, and anywhere.
Because there is no embalming, viewing, or use of facilities for a service, direct cremation strips the cost down to the essentials: transfer of the body, the cremation itself, and return of the remains.
The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to offer direct cremation and to let you provide your own container, such as an unfinished wood or cardboard alternative container.
Families often choose direct cremation to keep costs low or to separate the practical step of cremation from a memorial gathering they plan on their own schedule.
Related terms
Cremation
Cremation is the use of intense heat to reduce a body to bone fragments, which are then processed into cremated remains and returned to the family. It is an alternative to burial and can be paired with a funeral, a memorial, or no service at all.
Cremation container
A cremation container is the rigid, combustible container that holds the body during cremation. It is usually a simple wood or cardboard box rather than a casket. The FTC Funeral Rule bars funeral homes from requiring you to buy a casket for cremation.
Immediate burial
Immediate burial is burial that takes place soon after death without embalming, a viewing, or a formal ceremony beforehand. Like direct cremation, it is a lower-cost option, and any memorial service can be held separately afterward.
Memorial service
A memorial service is a ceremony to honor someone who has died, held without the body present. Because it is not tied to the body, it can take place days or weeks later, in any location, and is common after direct cremation or immediate burial.
See also
Common questions about Direct cremation
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.