What Is Direct Cremation? A Simple Guide for Mesa Families

Article Summary

• Direct cremation keeps the immediate arrangements simple: A direct cremation takes place without a formal viewing or funeral service beforehand, though the family can still gather later.
• The direct cremation process follows several required steps: The funeral home completes the necessary authorizations before cremation and returns the cremated remains to your family afterward. Your family has choices surrounding the container and any memorial that follows.
• An on-site crematory reduces outside transfers: At Mountain View, the person being remembered remains at the same Mesa facility throughout the cremation process.

Direct cremation is where a loved one is cremated without a formal viewing, visitation, or funeral ceremony beforehand. It is often a simpler, more affordable option for families in Mesa, AZ. Our team at Mountain View Funeral Home discusses what you need to know about direct cremation, including what it is and whether choosing it means giving up the chance to hold a meaningful service.

What Is Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is almost exactly what it sounds like, where you will choose to have a loved one cremated without a formal viewing or visitation beforehand. 

With a direct cremation, there is also no funeral ceremony before the cremation. This means that after you have completed the required arrangements, the cremation takes place, and the cremated remains are returned to your family. 

Usually, a direct cremation without a funeral service is a simpler and more affordable option for many Mesa families. This is because with direct cremations there will be no embalming or use of a chapel. However, this doesn’t mean your family cannot arrange a memorial at a later date. In fact, many families choose direct cremation followed by a memorial when it makes the most sense financially for the entire family and friends to the family. 

The primary difference between direct cremation and traditional cremation services is the inclusion of ceremonies like a viewing or funeral. You have the flexibility to choose the option that best suits your family’s needs, which is a choice our team is ready to discuss with you.

How Does Direct Cremation Work?

Knowing more about how direct cremation works can help give you the peace of mind you might need as you’re adjusting to the new normal. 

With this in mind, the process of direct cremation begins when the funeral home you’re working with transfers your loved one from their place of death. After this transfer, a funeral director works with the legal next of kin to complete the documentation necessary to receive authorization so things can proceed to the next step. 

From there, the process generally follows the steps below:

1. The funeral home will confirm the identity of the deceased and complete all required paperwork.
2. Your family will select an approved cremation container or casket.
3. A licensed cremationist will complete the cremation once authorization is in place.
4. The cremated remains are processed and put into the selected urn or a temporary container.
5. The funeral home contacts the family when the remains are ready to be returned.

In some situations when funds are a little tight, you can choose a different type of cremation container. At Mountain View Funeral Home, we often explain to our clients that a casket isn’t legally required for cremation. 

Families can also use an approved alternative container made from wood or cardboard. We can help you find these alternatives.

Benefits of Direct Cremation

Undoubtedly, the biggest benefit of direct cremation for families is that it costs less than burial and even witness cremation. However, there are other benefits. 

For example, direct cremation is simpler, so there are fewer immediate decisions you or your family will need to make. You won’t need to schedule a viewing before the cremation, and there is no funeral to be planned immediately. 

With this whittled-down timeline, relatives and friends have more time to travel and make arrangements to support your family during this transitional period in your lives. Additionally, you will be able to choose a memorial date without working around the cremation period. This can take off much of the stress you might not need right now. 

It’s also worth knowing that your family can still select an urn, and permanent cemetery placement also remains available even if direct cremation is chosen. So, if your family is researching affordable cremation in Mesa, AZ, a direct cremation can make the days after a death feel less rushed and may be the better financial choice.

What are the Memorial Options After Direct Cremation?

After a direct cremation service, there are a few memorial options you and your family can choose between. Below are a few of the choices you may want to consider depending on how you would like to celebrate the life of the one you’ve lost: 

• A celebration of life at a funeral home or another venue.
• A private gathering with close relatives.
• A ceremony where the urn is present.
• Scattering the remains in a permitted meaningful location.
• Permanent placement at a cemetery.

Why Choosing an On-Site Crematory Matters

When you’re planning a cremation, choosing an on-site crematory matters more than you might imagine. For instance, if a funeral home doesn’t have its own crematory, it will have to transfer your loved one to a third-party facility. This can be a complicated process, and it can cause higher costs to surface. 

Fortunately, if you’re considering us, the Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery has its own crematory. It is located inside the Mesa facility. This means that with us, the person remains on-site the entire time while you’re getting things sorted.

You can also take solace in the fact that our cremation services in Mesa, AZ are overseen by a funeral director who is also a licensed cremationist. This means you’ll have one knowledgeable team and a single point of contact, eliminating the stress you might have otherwise had to navigate if there were multiple parties involved with the direct cremation of your loved one. 

You’ll also have free rein to ask us any question you might have about cremation services in Mesa, AZ. As one of the longest-standing cremation providers in Mesa, we’ve answered our fair share of questions over the years, so we likely have the answer you’re seeking. 

Common Misconceptions

You already know the biggest misconception is that a family cannot hold a memorial at a later date, but another myth is that the arrangement is less respectful. When you choose the right funeral home, a direct cremation is just as respectful as a burial or cremation with a funeral. 

In fact, Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona follows identification procedures and uses licensed cremationists (as you now know) at its own facility, always treating bodies with the same care we would the living. 

Additionally, it’s also a common myth that a more affordable price means lower standards. This is far from the truth with our funeral home. We offer the same exceptional service with dignity at a more affordable cost profile.

Direct Cremation FAQs

How Much Does Direct Cremation Cost in Mesa, AZ?

Current direct cremation in Mesa pricing at Mountain View ranges from $2,045 to $5,290, depending on the container selected. A family-provided approved container can bring the listed price to $1,995. However, because prices can change, families should request the latest General Price List before finalizing arrangements.

How Long Does Direct Cremation Take?

The cremation itself usually takes two to three hours for an average-sized adult. However, the full timeline is longer because the funeral home must first complete the required authorizations and scheduling.

Can Family Members Witness the Cremation?

Yes. Mountain View Funeral Home allows relatives to be present when their loved one is placed into the cremation chamber, but the actual cremation will not be seen. This witness service should be arranged with the funeral director in advance. There is also an extra fee for this service.

When Will You Receive the Ashes?

Your family will receive the ashes after cremation and processing are complete. Unfortunately, there is no predetermined return date because it depends on authorization and scheduling. However, the funeral director at our funeral home will provide the current expected date closer to the time.

Get Started With Direct Cremation at Mountain View Funeral Home

If you now have a better understanding of direct cremation services in Mesa and would like to proceed, or would rather discuss a cremation in Mesa, AZ that includes a funeral, we can help. For 75 years, Mountain View Funeral Home in Mesa, AZ has been serving families in the region, offering affordable services families trust. 

If you’re looking for a funeral home in Mesa, AZ that can guide you through this difficult time in your life, we’re only a phone call away. Contact us at 480-832-2850 to discuss how we can best honor your loved one.