Body disposition is extremely personal. People tend to have very strong ideas and feelings connected to it, even when it isn’t their choice to make. If you’re handling the arrangements after a loved one dies you can expect that you’ll get questions and possibly even objections if you choose direct cremation. Most of the time these occurrences happen because people are unfamiliar with direct cremation and don’t understand how the process works.
The answers to the questions and possible objections you receive are unique to your situation and how you are feeling. However, the Q&A below can help you formulate your thoughts and come up with responses when questions catch you off guard.
What is direct cremation?
A good number of people aren’t familiar with direct cremation, which means you’ll probably be asked what it is exactly. The simplest answer is to say direct cremation is just like conventional cremation except there is no viewing or funeral service.
Are you going to receive ashes?
Even though a direct cremation doesn’t involve funeral services you will receive the cremains of your loved one. Once the cremation is complete, the funeral home will prepare the cremains and then either store them for pickup or deliver them to your location.
Don’t you want to have a funeral service to honor your loved one?
The biggest misgiving people have about direct cremation is the thought that they have to sacrifice funeral services. You can simply explain that direct cremation allows you to have a memorial service on your own timeline after the cremation when you are better prepared. You can even add that doing so allows more family and friends to join the service to honor your loved one.
Did you choose direct cremation because it was the cheapest?
Most people understand that having a funeral is very expensive today. If you plan to do a traditional burial with full services you can expect to pay $7,850 before the cost of a burial plot and headstone. Even a conventional cremation with services will cost $6,970 on average. Direct cremation is much more reasonable at just $900-$2,000.
This question is best answered by pointing out the other advantages of direct cremation. If you don’t live in the same city as your loved one you can note that direct cremation is much easier to arrange long distance. You can also discuss the environmental benefits if that was a concern for your loved one. The point is to make the other person aware that the decision isn’t based on finances alone.
Isn’t that against (X) religion?
Some religions don’t allow for cremation, but there’s no distinction between traditional cremation and direct cremation. This includes Christianity, although some religions have cremation limitations. You may want to look up the practices of your loved one’s religion so that you can provide a more specific answer.
Ultimately, body disposition is a personal decision that doesn’t have to be justified. And if you are carrying out the wishes of a loved one, it’s not your decision to make. All you have to say is you’re doing what your loved one wanted and leave it at that.
At Direct Cremate we’re here to help you through the cremation process without any judgment or preconceived notions. You can call or text anytime to make cremation arrangements or get more information about direct cremation.
