Among the different types of end-of-life arrangements, direct burial is one that is frequently not known about or basically misunderstood. However, there are certain circumstances in which it may be a good alternative to a full funeral service, or even cremation. Your funeral home can fill you in on their specific procedures for direct burial; for now, let’s go over some of the basics.
What is direct burial?
With direct burial, the body of the deceased is buried as soon as possible after death, usually within a day or two. The body is often placed in a simple container, rather than an elaborate casket or urn, and no embalming, visitation or viewing of the body are involved. Direct burial usually takes place with no ceremony, unless the family chooses to have a small gathering graveside, in which case there is often an additional fee. In this way, burial takes place without many of the additional costs that usually accompany funeral arrangements.
Why do people choose direct burial?
The most common reason for choosing direct burial is cost: it is one of the least expensive burial options. In many cases, the death is unexpected and un-planned for, and the family is unable to bear the financial burden of a standard funeral service. There may be other considerations, too – for example, the deceased may have previously expressed a desire for a no-frills burial, or perhaps the person passed away overseas, and it is more financially feasible to bury the body quickly rather than try to return it home.
Is direct burial disrespectful?
Some families may shy away from the direct burial option because they fear it doesn’t give their loved one the respect or dignity he/she deserves. However, if you are dealing with a death, you should know this really isn’t the case. You have plenty of options for holding a memorial service at any time after the fact, whether in your home, in your place of worship, or even graveside. A direct burial merely relieves you of some of the financial pressures involved with the traditional funeral. There is no shame in a simple burial; in fact, many families find it frees them to consider a variety of memorial options because they are released from additional financial stress. How you choose to honor your loved one is completely up to you.
For many families, dealing with the grief of losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added strain or pressure of coming up with enough money for an elaborate funeral. A compassionate funeral home understands this, which is why many of them offer direct burial among their options. In northwest Washington, the caring professionals at Funeral Alternatives of Snohomish County specialize in affordable funeral arrangements. They are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and help you choose a funeral package that won’t break the bank. For more information on direct burial, cremation and other services, they can be reached at 1-888-381-6993.
Funeral Alternatives Blog
Written & Published By MORBiZ
