Q. What is a direct burial?

A. The body is buried shortly after death, usually in a simple container. No viewing or visitation is involved, so no embalming is necessary.

A memorial service may be held at the graveside or later. Direct burial usually costs less than the “traditional,” full-service funeral.

Costs include the funeral home’s basic services fee, as well as transportation and care of the body, the purchase of a casket or burial container and a cemetery plot or crypt. If the family chooses to be at the cemetery for the burial, the funeral home often charges an additional fee for a graveside service.

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