When it comes to cremation services in Minnesota funeral homes are in the forefront. Today, these funeral providers can offer you one of the two currently possible methods of cremation. These are cremation (or cremation with service) and direct cremation. In order to make the right choice, you should understand what difference, if any, exists between these two types
What is Cremation?
Creation is a form of ritual for addressing the needs of the deceased and the family to remove the physical body from this earthly plain. It can only be performed by licensed Minnesota cremation services. They can only do so if they follow the procedures set out by state laws. These include, but are not limited to the following:

• Once the crematory has accepted all legal documentation for the deceased, and has him or her in their possession, they must cremate him or her within 24 hours
• Documents can only be presented by the designated individual.
• Complete documentation must include a photocopy of the death certificate as well as a document signed authorizing cremation. These are produced by the medical examiner or coroner and must be accompanied by an authorized, complying cremation form (149A.95, sbd4) to the legitimate Minnesota cremation services provider
• The body must be housed in a suitable alternative container or casket. The alternative container may be a sturdy pine box or a strong cardboard container that is both rigid and combustible

The actual process of cremation consists of two interrelated parts. In the first part, the human remains become cremains by direct contact with extreme temperatures. These reduce them to a residue of human bones and fragments.

In the second part of cremation the crematory workers remove the remains. They reduce them through pulverization into an ash-like substance. This is what the bereaved receive in a container - permanent or temporary. They must obtain this, according to state laws, within 3 to 7 days.

Cremation with a Service

Cremation with a service is similar to a traditional funeral. The deceased appears in his or her casket. The funeral director, priest or family member conducts a funeral service. The family and friends disperse. The casket - which may or may not be temporary, is removed to a crematory or cremated on site. The ashes are gathered and then presented in the format desired by the bereaved. They then have several options. They may later hold celebratory services of various types including those prior to the scattering e.g. at an airport, aboard a ship or where a balloon is being launched. Alternatively, they could have a gathering where the urn is being placed such as at a columbarium, or a niche within the funeral home or crematory.

What is Direct Cremation?
In contrast to cremation or cremation with a service, is direct cremation. Its other name - "immediate cremation" indicates the nature of this form of funeral service. Direct cremation services in Minnesota and elsewhere do not involve a funeral service. They do not hold a ceremony with the deceased present in physical form. With direct cremation, the only ritual is the actual cremation. You do not hold a wake, a visitation or a formal viewing in the presence of the body.
Minnesota cremation services refer to this as a "basic cremation disposition." The passage from death to cremation is performed as soon as possible. This means as soon as the mandatory waiting period subscribed by the state is finished, the physical remains are cremated.
Yet, having a direct cremation does not preclude a ceremony later. Nor does this type of cremation mean the family will not hold a memorial service or life celebration shortly after they receive back the ashes. The difference is the ceremony, service or celebration is held without the presence of the body and sometime after cremation. What also differs are, overall, Minnesota cremation costs.
Why choose one or the other?
Behind cremations - with a service or direct, lie a variety of reasons. These include environmental, versatility, culture, religion and personal preference. Yet, one of the major reasons why people prefer cremation services in Minnesota is the cost. In many ways, cremation is the affordable option. When considering the two, it is true; cremation costs in Minnesota vary according to the type.
Minnesota cremation costs, even when they include a funeral service, are low. Cremations with a service are less than the cost of a traditional funeral for various reasons. The replacement of an elaborate casket with a simple box, the rejection of embalming and the elimination of other related items common to a traditional funeral decreases the price. Purchasing a spot in a niche or a columbarium will increase cremation costs in Minnesota but not to a large extent.
Yet, if you truly want a cost-effective cremation, consider a direct cremation. It decreases the reliance on people, materials and items associated with traditional funerals. Overall, it decreases Minnesota cremation costs best.
If you are considering this approach, talk to us. We can show you how to reduce cremation costs in Minnesota while heeding the wishes of your loved one.