Different Types of Cremations

From cost effectiveness and eco-friendly benefits to flexibility in choices and timing, there’s a reason why cremations are becoming so popular in Edison, NJ and around the world!

But did you know there are multiple types of cremation? Just like “whiskey” can refer to drinks from “rye” to “bourbon,” cremation is a general umbrella that covers a few different categories.

There are three main types of cremation: traditional, memorial, and direct. The main differences are in price, planning, and timeline. Read on to learn more about each type, so you can choose which one is best for you and your family.

Traditional Cremation

Traditional cremation is probably what you think of when you think cremation. They are the most similar to traditional burials in that they consist of a funeral service followed by cremation. Traditional cremations also commonly have a visitation or wake within two or three days of death.

Traditional cremations are a bit more expensive than other types, as the body is present at the funeral, wake and visitation. Having the body present means embalming and casket costs. Embalming is the process in which the body is preserved for the viewing, and funerals and visitations necessitate a casket rather than a plain cremation box or urn.

After the funeral and cremation, the ashes can be buried, entombed, scattered or displayed. Some of these options, like burial or interment, do incur more costs.

Memorial Cremation

Memorial cremation is just like traditional cremation, except the body is not present at the service.

In memorial cremation, the body is cremated right after death without a viewing or funeral, so there is no embalming or casket purchase necessary. The memorial service can be held at a later date, sometimes even weeks later, as the decomposing body is not dictating a timeline.

Sometimes the body is present in a way at the memorial in a cremation urn. Or, the family can choose to display photos of the deceased.

Usually, the remains are returned to the family right before the memorial so they can inter, scatter, or display them following the ceremony.

Memorial cremations save money on embalming and caskets, but memorial services still cost money to host and execute.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is cost effective and efficient. In direct cremation, the body is cremated right after death and there is no memorial or service afterward. This saves money on planning and hosting a service. The cremation itself does cost money, but the costs are generally included in one flat fee, from transportation to the cremation process.

In Conclusion

There are lots of choices when it comes to cremation, but at the end of the day, there is no right or wrong choice. It only matters what’s best for you and your family. Plinton Curry Funeral Home provides cremations in Edison, NJ and the surrounding areas from two locations: 411 West Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 and 428 Elizabeth Ave, Somerset, NJ 08873.  Give us a call at 732-469-3300 or 908-232-6869 to learn more.