What Is Direct Cremation?

What Is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation means cremating someone soon after death without a funeral or visitation. Your loved one is carefully and respectfully collected at the place of death. After the necessary paperwork is filed, the body is placed in an alternative container (often cardboard or fiberboard) and then cremated at a licensed crematory. The ashes, or cremated remains, are returned in a basic urn or temporary container, typically in about a week, although exact return times depend on the facility and delivery method.

Direct cremation service eliminates the need for embalming, caskets, and other costly traditional funeral steps. It also allows families the time and flexibility to plan a personal tribute later.

Why More Families Are Choosing Direct Cremation

Affordability

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average cost of direct cremation in the U.S. is around $1,924. That’s often much lower than traditional funeral services with ceremonies, which can cost $8,000 or more.

Providers like Tulip Cremation help keep prices down by offering online cremation services. Without the added costs of a physical funeral home, families can receive professional, compassionate care at a much more affordable rate.

Simplicity

Direct cremation is a simple, no-stress option. Since there’s no need to plan a memorial service right away, families have more time to grieve and gather when they're ready.

Many providers guide you through the process step by step. With online arrangements, everything can be handled from the comfort of home — no funeral home visits required, and no pressure to rush.

Environmental Concerns

Direct cremation is often more sustainable than burial, avoiding embalming fluids, metal caskets, and land use. Many crematories offer carbon offset programs and biodegradable urns to reduce environmental impact.

Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of direct cremation is flexibility. Without the need to plan an immediate funeral, families have the freedom to choose when and how they honor their loved one.

You can hold a funeral or celebration of life weeks or even months later, at home, outdoors, at a favorite spot, or wherever feels most meaningful. Some families scatter cremated remains in a special location, plant a memorial tree, create keepsakes, or gather for a personal tribute on a birthday or anniversary.

With direct cremation, you're not tied to a schedule. You’re free to create a farewell that truly reflects your loved one’s life and legacy.

What’s Included in the Cost of Direct Cremation Services

Typical services of a funeral home or crematory and its staff include:

• Transportation of the deceased to the crematory or funeral home
• Filing legal documents and death certificates
• Cremation using an alternative container (not a casket)
• Oversight by licensed funeral home staff and a funeral director
• Return of cremated remains in a basic urn or container
• Optional delivery, pickup, or secure mailing of remains
• Upgrades like custom urns or cremation jewelry (additional fees may apply)

The crematory provides a basic container or cardboard box for ashes after cremation. However, many families upgrade to a more ornate or personalized alternative container. 

How to Arrange Direct Cremation

To get started, choose a licensed crematory or funeral home that offers direct cremation. Many now provide online options, which can save time and help you avoid in-person visits during an already difficult time.

Here’s what the process usually involves:

• Sharing basic information about your loved one (name, birth date, and place of death)
• Completing a cremation authorization form
• Ordering or submitting the death certificate

Licensed staff and funeral directors are there to support you and ensure that everything is handled professionally and compassionately.

If you go through a funeral home, they can take care of everything from paperwork to transportation to the crematory, usually for an added fee. Some funeral homes also offer memorial services if you'd like to plan a tribute later on.

Working directly with a crematory may be a more affordable option, especially if you don’t need extra services. Either way, look for providers who are experienced with direct cremation and who make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Legal Requirements and Considerations

Each state has its own rules for direct cremation, but here are the most common requirements you’ll need to be aware of:

• Written consent from the next of kin or a legal representative
• A signed death certificate
• A cremation permit from the local health department or medical examiner
• A waiting period before cremation – usually 24 to 72 hours

If there are any disagreements among family members or if your loved one’s wishes aren’t clearly documented, cremation may be delayed until things are sorted out. Your funeral director can walk you through the specific legal steps in your area and help make sure everything is handled properly.

What Happens After Cremation?

Families have many ways to honor a loved one after direct cremation. Some choose to:

• Keep the urn at home as a personal tribute
• Bury it in a cemetery or memorial garden
• Scatter ashes in a meaningful place; at sea, in nature, or a favorite spot
• Share the remains among family members
• Host a gathering at a place of worship, community center, or even virtually, so distant loved ones can take part
• Create cremation jewelry, glass art, or incorporate ashes into a reef memorial

These options offer comfort, flexibility, and the chance to celebrate a loved one’s life in a way that feels personal and meaningful.

Direct Cremation Planning

Prepaid direct cremation plans can ease both emotional and financial stress. It helps by:

• Locking in today’s cremation prices
• Documenting your wishes clearly
• Avoiding rising casket and funeral home costs
• Managing everything from home with secure online tools

You can also plan a memorial in advance, which can bring clarity and peace of mind. A funeral director or cremation provider can explain your options.

Comparing Cremation Services: What to Look For

When choosing a cremation provider, it’s important to compare a few key details:

• Services offered – Is it just the basic cremation, or do they include urns, delivery, or keepsakes?
• Staff support – Are licensed staff and funeral directors available to help when you need them?
• Crematory standards – Do they use an on-site crematory or a third-party? What are their care policies?
• Price transparency – Look for hidden fees for death certificates, permits, or alternative containers.

Taking the Next Step

Direct cremation offers an affordable, respectful, and flexible alternative to a traditional funeral. Whether you’re planning ahead or caring for someone who has passed, understanding your options empowers you to make the right choice for your family.

If simplicity and peace of mind matter to you, Tulip is a leader in direct cremation services. We offer online arrangements, transparent pricing, and compassionate support from our 24/7 care team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct cremation?

It is cremation shortly after death without viewing, a funeral service, or visitation.

Is a casket required?

No, a funeral home or crematory may use an alternative container, usually cardboard or fiberboard.

What does direct cremation cost?

The average cost for direct cremation in the U.S. is $1,924.

Can we still have a funeral or memorial service?

Yes. Services can be planned anytime.

Do I need to go to a funeral home?

You don’t need to go to a funeral home with online arrangement services. 

Is direct cremation eco-friendly?

It has a lower environmental impact than burial and supports green memorial options.