When considering end-of-life options, many families come across the term “complete cremation.” But what exactly does that mean—and how is it different from other services offered by a funeral home or funeral director? Whether you’re planning ahead or facing a recent loss, understanding complete cremation services can help you make informed, confident decisions.
Table of Contents
Summary of Complete Cremation Services
- Complete cremation includes all essential services — from body transportation and documentation to the cremation process and return of ashes.
- Handled by a licensed funeral director, services include filing necessary authorizations, overseeing logistics, and providing compassionate support.
- No embalming, casket, or public visitation is included, though families can add a private memorial or viewing if desired.
- Remains are returned by mail, pickup, or delivery, allowing flexible options for memorials, urn burial, or ash scattering.
- It’s a simple, affordable alternative to traditional burial—designed to ease stress while honoring your loved one with dignity.
What Is a Complete Cremation?
A complete cremation is a cremation package that includes all essential steps and services following death —from removing the body from the place of death to the return of your loved one’s cremated remains. It provides a simple, dignified alternative to a traditional funeral ceremony while ensuring that every legal, logistical, and emotional need is met with care.
What’s Included in a Complete Cremation?
While services may vary slightly between providers, a complete cremation typically includes the following:
1. Transportation and initial care
The funeral director arranges for timely transportation of your loved one from the place of death—whether at home, in a hospital, or a care facility—to a secure cremation facility. This service may also include basic sheltering of remains prior to cremation.
2. Filing documents and obtaining necessary authorizations
The funeral staff also handles the required legal paperwork, including the death certificate and cremation permit, which are filed with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The staff also secures necessary authorizations from the next of kin to proceed with cremation.
3. Basic services of the funeral director and staff
Complete cremation packages also include professional coordination and support throughout the process. These basic services include overseeing logistics, maintaining proper identification, and ensuring your loved one is treated with dignity at every stage.
4. The cremation process
Once all legal steps are completed, the cremation is carried out at a licensed facility. In reputable facilities, each process is carefully tracked for accuracy, and the cremated remains are returned in a basic container or an urn of your choice.
5. Return of cremated remains
Families can choose to receive the ashes by mail, in person, or via local delivery. Many also choose to honor their loved one with a memorial service, burial of the urn, or scattering ceremony—timed according to their schedule and wishes.
What Isn’t Included with Complete Cremation?
Because a complete cremation focuses on simplicity, it generally does not include a public visitation, embalming, or a traditional funeral ceremony with a casket. However, many facilities allow you to customize services to meet your family’s needs. Many choose to hold a private viewing or personalized memorial at home, a place of worship, or a funeral home.
If you prefer a burial without embalming or viewing, a direct burial may be another option worth exploring.
Why Choose a Complete Cremation?
- Cost-Effective: Complete cremation is more affordable than traditional burial with a casket and ceremony.
- Simple & Stress-Free: One provider handles everything from start to finish.
- Flexible Memorial Options: Choose how and when to honor your loved one.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Whether you’re planning ahead or coping with a recent loss, the Cremation Society of Philadelphia is here to serve you with compassion and transparency. Our complete cremation services make it easier to focus on what matters—honoring your loved one’s memory. At the Cremation Society of Philadelphia, we offer complete cremation services that are affordable, transparent, and designed to ease the burden on families during a difficult time.
Do you have questions, or are you ready to plan ahead? We’re available 24/7. Contact us today to learn more about our cremation options or speak with a licensed funeral director.
Belinda McLeod has a degree in Secondary Education, specializing in English and Journalism. She began her career as a freelance writer in 2018 since a flexible schedule would allow her to help care for an aging parent. Since then, Belinda has specialized in writing for the funeral industry. Belinda has written for Cake, a funeral-planning website, nursing homes, mausoleum companies, cremation companies, and funeral homes.
