The Difference Between Traditional and Direct Cremation

March 1, 2021

If you are planning a cremation service for you or your loved ones, make sure to check this out so that you make the right choice for a meaningful send-off. 

Direct Cremation In Mustang OK 1024x679 1920w

If you go to a death care services provider to plan a cremation, you will have some decisions to make. One of them involves whether you’re going to go with a traditional cremation or a direct cremation. While traditional cremation and direct cremation in Mustang, OK are more similar than they are different, there are enough differences to warrant careful consideration. This is especially the case if you want to give your loved one a meaningful final send-off. 


Read on to learn the different between the two so that you make the right choice for your family. 


Traditional Cremation 


The primary distinction between direct cremation and regular cremation is the time frame between these two types of cremation. When it comes to a regular or traditional cremation, the body of the deceased is transported from the place of death to the funeral home that will handle the body disposition. So, whether the deceased passed away at home, at a nursing home, or in a hospital, the funeral home hired to handle the cremation will make arrangements to pick up the body and to transport it to the funeral home. Then the funeral director will embark upon the body preparation stage. This can include embalming, especially if the plan is to have a memorial or celebration of life service. Body preparations can also include dressing the body in whatever outfit the family brings. The body will then be brought to the crematorium where the body disposition takes place 


Direct Cremation 


When it comes to direct cremation, the body is transported from the place of death directory to where the body disposition will take place. The body will remain there for only a few days before the direct cremation takes place. Once the death certificate has been obtained and some papers signed, the body disposition will be underway. It’s usually the case that the deceased gets cremated in whatever outfit they were wearing when they died. There are no body preparations since there is no funeral service or viewing ahead of a direct cremation. Because direct cremation includes the body disposition and no extras, it is more cost-effective than traditional cremation. 


Now that you have an idea as to what traditional cremation and direct cremation are and how they compare, you will be able to decide which option works best for you and your family. Some families prefer to have a direct cremation with no extra services while other families want a cremation with some sort of formal service where they can all come together to honor the deceased. Neither option is better than the other – it comes down to personal choice. 


When you need help planning a direct cremation Mustang, OK, we’re here to help. We offer packages such as I Just Want Cremation, Cremation with Community Celebration, Simple Cremation, Cremation & Final Goodbye, All Inclusive Cremation, and Traditional Gathering with Cremation. Our prices are 50-70% less than what most traditional funeral homes in the state charge, so we’re a cost-effective option. We are also licensed as a full-service crematory, which allows us to offer a wide range of cremation-related services direct to the general public. Give us a call to find out how we can help you.


direct cremation Midwest City OK
By Oklahoma City Cremation September 8, 2025
Discover the dignity and affordability of direct cremation in Midwest City, OK with Oklahoma City Cremation. Learn what sets us apart.
direct cremation Moore OK
By Oklahoma City Cremation September 1, 2025
Discover the benefits of direct cremation in Moore, OK. Explore how simplicity and dignity can coalesce to honor your loved ones with Oklahoma City Cremation.
direct cremation Norman OK
By Oklahoma City Cremation August 25, 2025
Deciding between direct cremation and a traditional funeral? We explore the differences in cost, process, and flexibility to help you make an informed choice.
direct cremation Midwest City OK
By Oklahoma City Cremation August 18, 2025
Discover why families in Midwest City, OK, are choosing direct cremation for simplicity, affordability, and environmental friendliness.
direct cremation Moore OK
By Oklahoma City Cremation August 11, 2025
Learn how direct cremation in Moore, OK, offers financial and emotional relief, streamlining end-of-life decisions with our compassionate services.
direct cremation Norman OK
By Oklahoma City Cremation August 4, 2025
Deciding on the right funeral arrangement can be difficult, yet increasingly, families are turning to direct cremation as a dignified, cost-effective answer. Oklahoma City Cremation recognizes the significance of making informed decisions, especially when it comes to honoring loved ones. Here, we delve into why direct cremation might just be the approach your family needs with its straightforward and compassionate nature. Understanding Direct Cremation Direct cremation refers to the process of cremating a loved one shortly after death, without first holding traditional ceremonies such as a wake, viewing, or formal funeral service. This streamlined approach emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, bypassing the more elaborate elements often associated with end-of-life arrangements. It offers a practical and dignified option for individuals and families who prioritize minimalism, privacy, or budget-conscious decision-making. For families in Norman, OK, choosing direct cremation through reputable providers like Oklahoma City Cremation can deliver both emotional comfort and financial relief during a deeply challenging time. Key Advantages Opting for direct cremation Norman, OK brings several meaningful benefits: Cost-Effective : Traditional funerals often come with numerous expenses—including embalming, decorative caskets, floral arrangements, and ceremonial services—all of which are avoided with a direct cremation approach. Flexible Planning: Families retain the opportunity to organize a personalized memorial, celebration of life, or remembrance gathering at a later time, ensuring greater convenience, wider attendance, and more thoughtful preparation. Streamlined Simplicity: For those who prefer a quieter farewell without the pressures of public ceremonies, direct cremation aligns with a desire for discretion, modesty, and ease of process. Evaluating Your Family’s Needs When determining whether direct cremation aligns with your family's wishes, take time to reflect on your collective values surrounding tradition, closure, and emotional expression. Some may find comfort in a simpler, immediate process that eliminates ceremony, while others might feel the need for structured farewells, such as visitations and services. Understanding the balance between honoring emotional needs and acknowledging the practical advantages of direct cremation is essential in making a decision that supports both the heart and the mind. Steps for Decision-Making Open Discussions : Engage all family members in discussing their thoughts on funeral traditions versus simpler alternatives. Such discussions will unveil shared priorities and concerns. Financial Planning : Evaluating your budget against the potential costs of traditional versus direct cremation options is crucial. Comparing providers in terms of cost transparency can guide you toward a financially sensible decision. Emotional Considerations : Tailoring the process to accommodate potential future memorials can appease those who require closure over time. Professional Guidance At Oklahoma City Cremation, we pride ourselves on offering guidance that aligns with your values and needs. Availability without surprise fees further affirms our commitment to fairness and customer satisfaction across Norman and broader Oklahoma areas. If our family values transparency and a supportive approach, our establishment remains a logical choice. Learn more about your options and begin planning a meaningful yet prudent approach to celebrating life. Our experienced staff is available at Oklahoma City Cremation, ensuring that every step is handled with care. Choosing arrangements like direct cremation can be an enlightened decision resonating with families seeking straightforward, respectful means to honor their loved ones' memories. Call Oklahoma City Cremation to discover how we can support you through this journey.
direct cremation Midwest City OK
By Oklahoma City Cremation July 28, 2025
Learn how direct cremation Midwest City, OK fulfills family values and respects personal wishes with dignity and compassion.
direct cremation Moore OK
By Oklahoma City Cremation July 21, 2025
Explore the misconceptions about direct cremation in Moore OK—understand its benefits, affordability and how Oklahoma City Cremation ensures dignity.
direct cremation Norman OK
By Oklahoma City Cremation July 14, 2025
Discover insights about direct cremation in Norman, OK. Learn how Oklahoma City Cremation assists families with sensitive and dignified services.
direct cremation Midwest City OK
July 7, 2025
When it comes to arranging a respectful and dignified goodbye, Oklahoma City Cremation understands the unique need for affordable yet personalized solutions. Direct cremation Midwest City, OK is a growing preference for many due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Direct cremation, however, doesn't have to be impersonal. Even without a traditional funeral service, there are numerous ways we can ensure that a loved one's memory is honored and celebrated. Understanding Direct Cremation Direct cremation involves the immediate cremation of the deceased following death, without the need for viewing or a traditional funeral service beforehand. It's a straightforward process that prioritizes simplicity, allowing families to bypass the additional expenses generally associated with embalming, purchasing a casket, or hosting an elaborate ceremony. The family typically receives the ashes in a dignified manner , while still having the flexibility to organize a memorial service or celebration of life at a later time.  Innovative Ways to Personalize Direct Cremation Despite its simplicity, there is no shortage of ways to personalize a direct cremation and create a meaningful farewell. Memorial Gatherings : A personalized gathering with close friends and family members can be held to remember the deceased. It could be an intimate event at home or another cherished location where you share stories and memories. Choosing a Unique Urn : While choosing an urn for the remains can be an act of personalization in itself, families can further opt for custom designs or keepsake jewelry to reflect the deceased's personality or interests. Creating Tribute Displays : It’s meaningful to set up photo displays, or create memory tables that include personal items and memorabilia, lending to a personalized touch during any private gatherings post-cremation. Virtual Memorials : Holding virtual memorials allows distant family members to participate. Sharing stories, photos, or videos can be a way to bring together those who cannot physically attend any gathering. Unique Printing and Programs : Designing personalized remembrance cards or program booklets with meaningful poems, quotes, or photographs is another way to pay tribute at any post-cremation event. Recording Special Messages : Encouraging family and friends to record memories or stories and compile them into a video that can be shared with all those who knew the deceased. The Role of Oklahoma City Cremation At Oklahoma City Cremation, our objective is to provide customized solutions that respect your wishes, ensuring that the service reflects the unique life of your loved one. We take pride in offering transparency with no hidden charges, helping families achieve peace of mind. Our team remains dedicated to supporting every step—from pre-planning to the final arrangements. Families seeking an affordable yet dignified option for their loved ones often turn to us for our expertise and compassionate approach. We stand out by offering transparency, flexibility, and the personal touch needed to commemorate every unique life story. For more details on how to customize a direct cremation service or to explore our options, we encourage you to contact us for further assistance . Our professional and supportive staff is ready to tailor a solution to meet your specific needs, offering you and your family the comfort and respect deserved in such significant moments.