Pre-need direct cremation planning
Direct Cremation Plans in Los Angeles, CA
A simpler cremation arrangement, with guidance at every step. Explore your options with SoCal Funeral Plans in English or Spanish.
Hablamos inglés y español.
What Is Direct Cremation?
Read a short explanation of direct cremation
Direct cremation is cremation without a viewing, visitation, or funeral service with the body present beforehand. Families may choose a separate memorial gathering afterward and decide how they would like the cremated remains to be kept or placed.
A separately requested identification viewing is a provider-dependent addition, not part of the basic definition or automatically included.
Direct cremation benefits
Why Consider Direct Cremation?
A Simpler Arrangement
Direct cremation focuses on the essential cremation arrangement without a preceding viewing or funeral ceremony.
Flexibility for a Later Gathering
A family can consider a separate memorial at a time and place that suits their wishes, subject to the arrangements they select.
Fewer Service Elements to Consider
Compared with a traditional full-service funeral, direct cremation generally involves fewer service elements. Actual costs depend on the provider and selected arrangements.
Compare arrangements
Compare Cremation Arrangements
Use this guide to understand the services and items you may encounter when comparing cremation arrangements. Your written estimate will confirm what is included, optional, or charged separately.
- Commonly involved
- Optional
- Confirm details
- Not part of this arrangement
| Service or Item | Direct CremationThis pageCremation without a preceding funeral or visitation. | Memorial CremationCremation followed by a memorial gathering. | Traditional CremationA funeral or visitation before cremation. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonly involved | Commonly involved | Commonly involved | |
| Commonly involved | Commonly involved | Commonly involved | |
| Commonly involved | Commonly involved | Commonly involved | |
| Commonly involved | Commonly involved | Commonly involved | |
| Commonly involved | Commonly involved | Confirm details | |
| Confirm details | Confirm details | Confirm details | |
| Confirm details | Confirm details | Confirm details | |
| Commonly involved | Commonly involved | Commonly involved | |
| Confirm details | Confirm details | Confirm details | |
| Confirm details | Confirm details | Confirm details | |
| Optional | Optional | Optional | |
| Not part of this arrangement | Commonly involved | Confirm details | |
| Not part of this arrangement | Not part of this arrangement | Confirm details | |
| Not part of this arrangement | Not part of this arrangement | Commonly involved | |
| Not part of this arrangement | Not part of this arrangement | Optional | |
| Not part of this arrangement | Optional | Optional |
Scroll the comparison sideways to view all columns.
Checkmarks identify commonly involved services, not guaranteed package inclusions. Your provider's written estimate controls. Arrangement details vary by provider and location. Optional services, merchandise, government charges, and third-party expenses may be separate. Request a written, itemized estimate.
The process
Planning a Direct Cremation
Discuss Your Preferences
Tell us whether you are planning ahead for yourself or helping a family member, and share the questions you would like answered.
Review the Written Arrangement
Confirm the provider, selected services, included items, optional additions, and applicable paperwork.
Confirm Authorizations and Coordination
The responsible provider explains the required authorizations and coordinates the arrangement according to the circumstances.
Decide on the Urn and Final Placement
Discuss the container or urn and whether cremated remains will be kept at home, placed in a cemetery, or handled through another permitted arrangement.
Pre-planning differs from arrangements that follow a death. A prepaid plan does not automatically initiate cremation, and we do not promise completion dates, automatic approvals, or specific operational services that have not been verified.
Before you choose
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Plan
- Is the cremation fee included or separate?
- What transportation limits apply?
- How long is sheltering included?
- What container or urn is provided?
- Are certified death certificate copies separate?
- How are permits, regulatory charges, and applicable taxes handled?
- Is identification viewing available?
- Are memorial services and venue charges separate?
- What circumstances could result in additional charges?
Understanding the written details can help you compare arrangements more clearly.
Other cremation options
Would You Prefer a Gathering or Funeral Service?
Cremation With a Memorial Service
A memorial gathering after cremation can provide time for family and friends to remember together.
Traditional Funeral With Cremation
A funeral or visitation before cremation may suit those who prefer a more traditional farewell.
Questions & answers
Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Cremation
What makes direct cremation different from other cremation arrangements?
Direct cremation takes place without a viewing, visitation, or funeral service with the body present beforehand. Memorial and traditional cremation add a gathering or ceremony either after or before the cremation.
Does direct cremation include a memorial service?
Not as part of the basic arrangement. A family may arrange a separate memorial gathering afterward, subject to the arrangements they select.
Is a casket required for direct cremation?
No. A suitable alternative cremation container may be used instead of a casket. The available container and any charge should be explained by the provider, and you are not required to purchase a casket from any particular business.
Is an urn included?
That depends on the arrangement. Confirm whether it provides a basic container, an urn, or whether an urn is a separate merchandise choice.
Can the family request an identification viewing?
A limited identification viewing may be available by arrangement, subject to provider availability, suitability, and policy. It is a separate, provider-dependent request and is not the same as a public visitation.
Are death certificates and permits included?
Check your written arrangement. Certified death certificate copies and disposition permits may involve separate ordering assistance and charges, and the required permit depends on the jurisdiction.
Can we hold a memorial afterward?
Yes. A separate memorial gathering can be considered after direct cremation, at a time and place that suits the family, subject to the arrangements selected.
How do I request a written estimate?
Please call (323) 784-3055 or request a free, no-obligation estimate through our free resources form. We do not publish prices; we will follow up by phone or email to discuss your needs.
Can I speak with someone in Spanish?
We speak English and Spanish. Hablamos inglés y español.
Talk With Us About Direct Cremation
Whether you are planning ahead or helping your family understand the options, we can help you identify the next step. Speak with us in English or Spanish.
Ask us to match or beat another funeral plan. Eligibility and terms apply.
From our Whittier area team, here to help with cremation and burial planning.
Ask us to match or beat another funeral plan. Eligibility and terms apply.