What Is Direct Cremation? A Clear Guide for BC Families

Direct cremation is the simplest, most affordable form of cremation — and it's the most common choice families in British Columbia make. Yet many people aren't entirely sure what it includes, how it differs from a traditional funeral, or what happens step by step.

If you're considering direct cremation for yourself or for someone you've lost, this guide explains everything you need to know.

Direct Cremation, Explained

Direct cremation means that the cremation takes place shortly after death, without a preceding formal ceremony, viewing, or visitation. There is no embalming, no casket purchase, and no use of a funeral home chapel. The body is transferred into the care of the funeral home, the necessary paperwork is completed, and the cremation is carried out — simply, respectfully, and without delay.

The word "direct" refers to this straightforward path: from the place of death, into the funeral home's care, and to cremation. Nothing in between — unless the family chooses to add something.

What's Typically Included

At Alternatives, our simple cremation service is all-inclusive. That means the price covers:

• Transfer of your loved one from the place of death into our care

• Completion and filing of all required paperwork, including the Medical Certificate of Death (MCOD)

• Registration of the death with the BC Vital Statistics Agency

• The cremation itself

• A basic urn for the cremated remains

• Return of the cremated remains to the family

There are no hidden fees and no surprise charges. What we quote is what you pay.

Other funeral providers may structure their pricing differently — listing a low base price but charging separately for transportation, paperwork, or the cremation container. If you're comparing options, always ask for the total, all-inclusive cost.

What Direct Cremation Does Not Include

Direct cremation, by definition, does not include a formal service before the cremation. There is no viewing, visitation, or ceremony with the body present. The body is not embalmed, and a traditional casket is not required — a simple, combustible cremation container is used instead.

However — and this is an important point — choosing direct cremation does not mean you can't have a service. It simply means the service happens separately, on your own timeline and terms. Many families hold a memorial service, Celebration of Life, or private gathering days, weeks, or even months after the cremation. This flexibility is one of the reasons direct cremation has become so popular.

How It Differs from a Traditional Funeral

A traditional funeral typically follows a more structured sequence: the body is embalmed, placed in a casket, and presented at a viewing or visitation. A formal funeral service takes place — often at a church, funeral home chapel, or other venue — with the body present. After the service, the body is either buried or cremated.

This traditional approach involves more steps, more products (casket, embalming, facility use), and more cost. It also requires a faster timeline, since the service usually happens within a few days of the death.

Direct cremation removes most of these elements. The result is a simpler process, a lower cost, and more flexibility for the family to decide how and when — and whether — to hold a gathering.

Neither option is better or worse. They simply reflect different priorities. Some families want the structure and ritual of a traditional funeral. Others want the simplicity and freedom that direct cremation provides. Both are valid, and both can be deeply meaningful.

Who Chooses Direct Cremation?

All kinds of families, for all kinds of reasons. Some choose it because of cost. Others because they prefer simplicity, or because the person who passed didn't want a fuss. Some families plan to hold a Celebration of Life later and want the cremation handled first. Others have religious or cultural reasons for choosing cremation. And some simply feel that a direct, uncomplicated approach is the most respectful way to honour their loved one.

In British Columbia, cremation rates are among the highest in the country — and direct cremation is the most commonly chosen option. It's not a lesser choice. It's a deliberate one.

The Process, Step by Step

Here's what typically happens with a direct cremation through Alternatives:

The call. When a death occurs, the family contacts us. This can happen at any hour — we're available around the clock.

The transfer. We arrange the respectful transfer of your loved one from the place of death — whether that's a home, hospital, hospice, or care facility — into our care.

The arrangements. One of our licensed funeral directors meets with the family, either in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. We walk through the paperwork, discuss your wishes, and answer any questions. If you'd prefer to complete arrangements online, that option is available as well.

The paperwork. We coordinate the Medical Certificate of Death (MCOD) with the attending physician, register the death with BC Vital Statistics, and order certified death certificates on your behalf.

The cremation. The cremation is carried out at our own crematorium in Aldergrove, with the same care and respect we bring to every family we serve.

The return. Once the cremation is complete, the remains are placed in a basic urn and returned to the family. From there, you're free to keep the urn, scatter the ashes, place them in a columbarium, bury them, or use them in a memorial of your choosing.

What About a Service?

Many families who choose direct cremation go on to hold a gathering afterward — and these can take many forms. A formal memorial service at a church. A relaxed Celebration of Life at a restaurant or golf club. A private family gathering at home. A scattering ceremony at a meaningful location.

The beauty of direct cremation is that there's no rush. You can take the time you need to grieve, to plan, and to create something that truly reflects the person being remembered — without the pressure of a fixed timeline.

If you'd like help planning a service after the cremation, our team is here for that too.

What Does Direct Cremation Cost?

At Alternatives, our simple cremation service starts at $1,999.65, all-inclusive. That covers everything listed above — transfer, paperwork, registration, cremation, and a basic urn. Additional services, such as memorial gatherings, upgraded urns, obituary placement, or extra death certificates, are available at clearly listed prices.

We believe the price you see should be the price you pay. No surprises, no pressure.