Direct Cremation Services

Cremation services in Sterling, IL actually refers to a wide umbrella that covers many different types and subcategories of cremation. One of these types is direct cremation.  

Direct cremation is when the deceased’s body is cremated almost immediately following death without a funeral or memorial beforehand. Direct cremation services are oftentimes the most inexpensive disposition method, but they have many other benefits as well.  

In direct cremation, the body is cremated directly after death, meaning there is no embalming, cosmetology or other funeral services. This allows the deceased’s family or loved ones to use a crematory service rather than a traditional funeral home, potentially saving a lot of money. 

Direct cremation services do not have a viewing, wake, funeral or visitation because the body is cremated first and can therefore not be present at any events. This lack of viewing also allows family, loved ones, or executors to have the body cremated in a simple container, rather than a traditional and more expensive casket since there will be no need for ornamentation without a viewing.  

Direct cremation doesn’t mean family members cannot plan a memorial service. In fact, it means it’s easier to schedule a service as the family has more scheduling flexibility since the body is not present. This added time also allows more out of town guests the ability to attend and gives the loved ones more time to plan a more personalized event. If you want to host a service before the cremation, then you will be choosing traditional cremation services rather than direct cremation services.   

The Federal Trade Commission has Funeral Rule laws that protect consumers who chose direct cremation services. This law states that consumers have rights for direct cremation services including:  

• You are not required to purchase or use a casket 
• The funeral home or crematory must return the remains to you in an urn provided by yourself. If you do not provide an urn, they will return the remains to you in a basic container.  
• The crematory or funeral home must furnish a wood box or alternate container for the direct cremation 

Don’t forget to plan for what’s happening to the cremated remains after the direct cremation services. Some of your options are:  

• Burial in a cemetery  
• Inurnment in a columbarium  
• Scattering 
• Other memorial objects  

Direct cremation is a valid option if you’re hoping to avoid extra costs often associated with funerals like preparing the body, casket, or extensive transportation. Some funeral homes and crematories also charge lower basic service fees for direct cremation services. If you want to learn more about direct cremation, or other kinds of Sterling, IL cremation services, Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation can help. We offer a range of cremation and funeral home services from 702 1st Ave Sterling, IL 61081, and are committed to helping you find the best solution for you and your loved ones in your time of loss. Please give us a call at (815) 626-1131 to learn more about what we can do for you.