Yes. Choosing a direct cremation does not mean your family cannot have a funeral, memorial service or celebration of life.
A direct cremation simply means the cremation takes place without a formal funeral service beforehand. Once the cremation has been completed and the ashes have been returned to the family, you are free to arrange a meaningful farewell at a time and place that suits you.
For many Perth families, this flexibility is one of the main reasons for choosing direct cremation.
What Happens With a Direct Cremation?
With a direct cremation, your loved one is cremated without a traditional funeral ceremony or viewing beforehand.
The necessary arrangements and cremation are completed, after which the cremated remains are returned to the family.
Families can then decide what they would like to do next without having to organise a formal funeral immediately after their loss.
Can You Hold a Memorial Service Afterwards?
Yes. A memorial service can be held after the direct cremation has taken place.
Unlike a traditional funeral, there is no requirement for the person’s body to be present. Families can instead choose to have the urn or a photograph of their loved one present if they wish.
A memorial can be as formal or informal as the family chooses.
It could include:
- Favourite music
- Photographs and video tributes
- Readings or poems
- Eulogies and personal stories
- Flowers
- Religious or cultural elements
- Food and refreshments
- Time for family and friends to share memories
The important thing is creating a farewell that feels appropriate for the person being remembered.
Can You Have a Church Service After Direct Cremation?
Families may also choose to arrange a religious or spiritual service after a direct cremation.
Depending on your family’s beliefs and preferences, this may take place at a church, another place of worship or a different venue.
The ashes may be present during the service if the family wishes.
What About a Celebration of Life?
A celebration of life is another option following direct cremation.
These gatherings are often less formal than traditional funerals and can be organised around the personality, interests and wishes of the person who has died.
A celebration of life could be held at a family home, community venue or another meaningful location.
Because the cremation has already taken place, families have greater flexibility over when the gathering is held.
Do You Have to Hold the Memorial Straight Away?
No.
One of the advantages of direct cremation is that there is less pressure to arrange a ceremony immediately.
Families may choose to wait until relatives and friends can travel to Perth, select a meaningful date or simply allow themselves more time to decide how they would like to remember their loved one.
A memorial could be held days, weeks or even later, depending on the family’s wishes.
Can the Ashes Be Present at the Memorial?
Yes. Families can choose to have their loved one’s ashes present during a memorial or celebration of life.
Some families place the urn alongside photographs, flowers or other meaningful items.
Others prefer to hold the memorial without the ashes present and arrange a separate occasion for scattering or interring them.
There is no single correct approach. The decision is entirely personal.
What Can You Do With the Ashes Afterwards?
After a direct cremation, families have a number of options for their loved one’s ashes.
Depending on personal wishes and any applicable requirements, families may choose to:
- Keep the ashes in an urn
- Scatter the ashes at a meaningful location
- Inter the ashes at a cemetery or memorial location
- Divide the ashes between family members
- Incorporate the ashes into a personal memorial
You do not need to make this decision immediately.
Why Do Families Choose a Memorial After Direct Cremation?
For some families, separating the cremation from the memorial makes the entire process easier.
Direct cremation allows the practical arrangements to be completed first. The family can then focus on creating a meaningful farewell without the same time pressure associated with organising a traditional funeral before cremation or burial.
It can also allow family members who live interstate or overseas more time to make travel arrangements.
A Simple Cremation Doesn’t Mean an Impersonal Farewell
Choosing a direct cremation is about simplifying the cremation process — not limiting how someone’s life can be remembered.
Families can still come together, share stories, play meaningful music, display photographs and celebrate the life of their loved one in whatever way feels appropriate.
For some families, having the freedom to organise these elements separately results in an even more personal farewell.
Direct Cremation Services in Perth
Direct Cremations WA provides simple and affordable direct cremation services for families throughout Perth.
If you’re considering this option, learn more about our Direct Cremations in Perth, read our guide explaining What Is a Direct Cremation, compare a Direct Cremation vs Traditional Funeral, or learn more about the Cost of Cremation in Perth.
Our team can provide clear information about the direct cremation process and help you understand your options during a difficult time.