Whilst cremation has certainly taken over from burial as the most popular option amongst Australians, information about unattended cremations has been quite slow to filter out to the market. This lower-cost option is not generally pushed or advertised by traditional funeral operators because it strips back their profit margins.
Below we’re going to clarify some of the common misconceptions about unattended cremation funerals and increase your knowledge on the service as a whole.
“They could only afford a cheap cremation”
One of the most common misconceptions is that unattended cremations are only for people who can’t afford a traditional funeral service. That actually couldn’t be further from the truth as lots of people choose it because it is simpler, more cost-effective and it separates the actual cremation process from the memorial gathering. Obviously for those who cannot afford a high-cost funeral service, unattended cremation is undoubtedly a fantastic choice.
Unattended cremation is not only for budget-conscious people, it’s a perfect alternative for anyone who doesn’t want the big fuss of a massive funeral, for those who would rather spend their money on other things or even someone who wants the time and space to have a memorial at a later time.
We’ve heard far too many horrifying tales of family members having to take out loans to pay for traditional over-priced funerals or being pressured into spending considerably more than they can afford.
“If you have an unattended cremation, you can’t have memorial service”
People often believe that certain things in the funeral industry must be done all at once, such as holding the funeral service and the cremation on the same day. But this is totally incorrect and whilst it is a preference of the funeral director, you certainly don’t need to comply.
With unattended cremations there are no pressing deadlines, as the cremation is done privately without any family members in attendance. This provides you the time and room to prepare a separate memorial send-off for your loved one. By waiting, you will have more time to mourn and be with your family & friends without the extra pressure of rushing to organise a funeral service.
Once the cremated remains of your loved one have been returned, you have the choice to arrange a respectful and unique memorial service that accurately captures the memory of your loved one and the life they led at a fraction of the cost of a traditional funeral service. Ashes can be received days, weeks, or even months before the service. Whatever your vision, it can be made possible. Obviously if a memorial gathering is not what you want, you don’t have to do it at all, the choices is always yours.
“Unattended cremation doesn’t allow space for the grieving process”
Many people think that holding a traditional funeral is necessary to help you process the grief of losing your loved one, especially when you view the body to bring about closure. In reality, the type of funeral doesn’t affect the grieving process, and according to a recent study by the Journal of Death and Dying, the combination of a direct unattended cremation combined with any sort of memorial ceremony would be just as likely to help the grieving process as a traditional funeral service.
“Unattended cremation restricts the options of what to do with ashes”
There is no bigger misperception than this one! There are countless options to choose because the only difference between an unattended cremation and a traditional cremation funeral is that the later has a service prior to the actual cremation.
The ashes are returned in exactly the same way, and you will have the final say in what you want to do with them including:
- Putting the Ashes in a memorial wall or formal garden
- Eternalise the Ashes in Jewellery
- Sending their Ashes to the stars in a rocket
- Return their Ashes to Nature with a tree urn
- Scatter the Ashes at a favourite location
When it comes down to it, the choice is yours and your loved ones’. Focus on making something personal, welcoming, courteous, and, of course, dignified.
Our staff are always on hand to offer suggestions and advice whenever you may need it, to ensure that you can let your loved one go in dignity.
If you have any questions or require advice, please reach out to Dignified Cremations on 1800 11 33 55.
