Understanding Direct Burial: A Simple Funeral Option

Planning a funeral can be an emotionally and financially challenging experience. As you explore your options, one term you may come across is “direct burial.” But what exactly is direct burial, and how does it compare to direct cremation, another low-cost service provided by Phoenix, AZ cremation services?

What is Direct Burial?

Simply put, direct burial is a funeral service where the deceased is buried without a formal funeral ceremony or viewing. The body is immediately taken from the place of death to the cemetery, where it is interred in a burial plot or grave without additional services or ceremonies.

Those who want a simple and affordable funeral option often choose direct burial. It can also be a good choice for families who are unable to arrange a traditional funeral due to time constraints, distance, or financial considerations. For example, suppose a loved one passes away while traveling or living far from home. In that case, a direct burial can be a practical option for getting them buried quickly and inexpensively.

Benefits of Choosing Direct Burial

One of the primary benefits of direct burial is that it is typically much less expensive than a traditional funeral service, which can include costs for embalming, a casket, a funeral home, and other services. With direct burial, the only major expenses are the cost of the burial plot and any fees associated with buying a casket and preparing the grave. This can make it a more affordable option for families on a tight budget.

It’s also a useful option for families who want immediate closure, perhaps for a loved one who had a prolonged illness. Rather than spending a week planning the funeral, they can focus on grieving and moving on.

How Does it Compare to Direct Cremation?

Direct burial is often compared to another popular funeral option: direct cremation. Direct cremation involves the immediate cremation of the body without any viewing or formal funeral ceremony. Like direct burial, it is often chosen for its simplicity and affordability.

However, there are some important differences between a direct burial and direct cremation. With direct cremation, the family can still hold a memorial service or scattering ceremony to honor the deceased. This can be done with or without the cremated remains present.

With direct burial, there is no opportunity for a formal ceremony or viewing before the body is buried. Any service arranged after the burial occurs without the remains.

Another difference is that direct cremation can be more environmentally-friendly, eliminating the need for a burial plot or grave. The cremated remains can be kept in an urn or scattered in a meaningful location. Direct burial, however, still requires a burial plot or grave, which can take up space and contribute to land use issues.

To conclude, direct burial is a simple and affordable funeral option that can be a good choice for families looking for a no-frills approach to laying their loved one to rest. While it may not offer the same level of ceremony or opportunity for memorialization as other funeral options, it can be a practical and meaningful way to honor the deceased.

And if you prefer the simplicity and flexibility of direct cremation, don’t hesitate to call us. Our cremation service in Phoenix, AZ, is on hand to work with you, and you’re only one phone call away to have everything taken care of.