Direct Cremation
The best known type of cremation is "direct" cremation. However, "direct"
emphasizes no viewing, no visitation, no service, no casket, no burial, and
oftentimes, no closure.

Researchers have found that people who do not go through a funeral or memorial
service find it harder to bring closure to their loved one's death. For this reason,
many experts advise people to have a traditional service before or after the actual
cremation to provide family and friends with a final opportunity to say good-bye.

A Traditional Service or Memorial Service
On the traditional side, a service includes a visitation, casket, flowers, minister,
and pallbearers. This type of service before the cremation helps families accept
the reality that their loved one has died.

Deciding What to Do with the Cremains
Many options are available for the disposition of cremains. Some families choose
to purchase a decorative urn to hold the cremains, which can then be placed in a
cemetery columbarium or buried in a family plot. Other families choose to place
the urn in a place of significance such as a special room in the house.
These options will all provide families with the ability to visit the gravestone or
urn and mourn the bereaved in a fixed, identifiable location. In addition to these
options, families might choose to have cremains scattered in a place that holds
great significance to the bereaved and family. The sea, a meadow, or a favorite
park are popular choices. It is illegal to scatter cremains in some areas, so ask
your funeral director for advice and restrictions regarding this procedure.