As cremation’s popularity grows, families can choose from different cremation services in St. Peters, MO. The primary options are direct cremation, cremation with a memorial, and traditional cremation. To make the right choice, you must first understand their differences. 

We’ve explained what you need to know below. 

Direct Cremation 

It is the most basic form of cremation. Here, there’s no funeral service involved. No embalming, wake, or viewing. Once the arrangements have been made, the cremation provider collects the body and takes it into their care, after which cremation takes place within 48 hours. 

When it’s over, the ashes are delivered to the family. If there’s a service at any point during this process, it’s before the cremation provider arrives. 

This basic nature also makes direct cremation the most affordable type of cremation. While price differs between funeral homes, direct cremation costs one-sixth the cost of a traditional funeral. 

You can redirect the freed resources to arranging a personalized memorial service on your own. 

Traditional Cremation 

Traditional cremation is the exact opposite, which also means it’s the most expensive cremation service. It is a traditional funeral, except the body is cremated after completing funeral rites instead of a burial. 

Unlike direct cremation, which requires immediate cremation, traditional cremation includes funeral services. You can have a viewing/visitation and a funeral service days after the passing. There’s enough time for distant relatives to travel down to see the deceased’s body before it’s cremated. 

But this comes at a significant expense. While traditional cremation is cheaper than a traditional funeral, it’s still expensive. Costs include rental casket, embalming, dressing, and other service fees attached to holding a wake or funeral service. 

If traditional cremation is too costly and direct cremation is too simple, consider cremation with a memorial service as a middle ground. 

Cremation with Memorial Service 

It’s a true compromise. You get the urgency and cost-savings of immediate cremation and a ceremony arranged by the funeral home. No embalming, rental casket, or dressing, but you get a memorial service after, usually with the urn as the centerpiece of the event. 

Hence, cremation with memorial service costs more than a direct cremation but less than traditional cremation. What’s more, you get the flexibility benefits of simple cremation too. 



The memorial service can occur immediately or months after the cremation. And because there’s no body to bury, it can be more personalized. You can hold it anywhere and aren’t limited to your home, funeral home, or church. 

Plus, you can have a celebration of life instead. It’s like a memorial service, except the mood is festive and more celebratory. After taking weeks or months to process the loss, a celebration of life is a positive way to honor the life of the deceased. 

Each cremation service has its pros and cons. There’s no right or wrong option, only what’s best for you and your family. 

Whichever you prefer, we can help. We provide headline cremation services to families in St Peters, MO, and we have variant packages to match your specific needs. Our line is open 24/7. Call us now to speak with our staff.