The cremation rate in Canada rose from 48% in 2000 to 72% in 2018, according to the Cremation Association of North America, which uses data from provincial vital statistics departments. And it continues to rise as more families are opting for cremation as an alternative to a traditional burial service. It’s plain to see that the demand for simple, affordable cremation is higher than ever, with a ‘direct cremation’ being the most affordable option available to families.
A direct cremation is where no ceremony or funeral services are included. The deceased is collected from the place of death and simply directly cremated once all the required legal paperwork and permits are completed.
A direct cremation is the funeral industry term for a direct disposition with no services. It is also referred to as a simple cremation, clinical cremation, or direct disposition.
Why is direct cremation becoming such a popular end-of-life alternative to traditional burial?
There are two primary reasons why direct cremation is becoming the popular choice for many families in Canada today:
- Direct cremation is generally more affordable
- Direct cremation comes with more choice
Direct Cremation provides families with an affordable option
As stated above, direct cremation is generally the most affordable option available to families, and with more and more families struggling to make ends meet in today’s economy, people simply cannot afford a full tradition funeral service. Most funeral providers have caught on to this and offer a direct cremation service, however, many still hold on to the “good old days” and will try to steer families towards a more traditional funeral service. With burials costing between $5,000 and $10,000 in most parts of Canada, and cremation costing between $2,000 and $5,000, you can see why they might prefer people to choose a burial over a cremation.
Those funeral homes in larger cities who understand the need to offer affordable cremation to families in a competitive market offer direct cremation starting at just $800. In most parts of Canada a direct cremation can be arranged for under $3,000, potentially saving families thousands. With this in mind, direct cremation is the obvious choice for the finance-conscious!
DFS Memorials is a network of local, independent funeral homes that all offer an inexpensive direct cremation package. Visit DFS Memorials NOW if you have the immediate, or imminent, need for a simple low-cost direct cremation.
Direct Cremation offers more choice
Direct cremation offers greater flexibility than a traditional funeral. It affords families more time to make the arrangements and decide what to do with the cremated remains. Compare this to a traditional funeral, where family and friends must gather at short notice and rush through the arrangements. Something which can be quite stressful for a family who is already bereaved.
A direct cremation, on the other hand, gives family members more time to consider how, and when, to hold a memorial service or scatter the ashes of the deceased. This also provides families with the option to hold their own memorial service at home or a place of importance to their loved-one.
There are also a number of choices when it comes to scattering cremated remains or choosing to memorialize a loved one in a different way. Scattering at sea, by plane, in lakes, or memorial gardens, to name just a few. Memorial diamonds, paperweights, jewelry, birdbaths, wind-chimes, portraits…..the list of what you can do with cremated remains to memorialize is continuingly growing as cremation becomes a more popular choice.
So, if you are considering yours or a loved-ones funeral plans and have decided upon a simple cremation, then a direct cremation plan may be the way to go! For more information about cremation, visit our Cremation section in our Funeral Resource section, or contact your nearest DFS Memorials cremation provider to find out more today.
