Around 3.4 million people in the U.S. die each year. When a person dies, their family plans the funeral. The primary tool they use for their decisions is the person's will.

Unfortunately, some people don't leave wills. Others may but might not include all the necessary instructions.

So you might be responsible for choosing the type of burial and funeral. One option is direct burial.

Keep reading to learn what this is and how it works.

Basic Features of Direct Burial

A traditional burial requires several steps. First, a funeral director completes the embalming process. This process prepares the body for viewing and burial. 

During this process, the funeral director removes the body's fluids and replaces them with chemicals. Embalming makes the body presentable for viewing. It also decreases the odors for several days. 

After the funeral, they bury the body. This burial option is very common, but direct burials are also becoming popular today.

The direct burial process eliminates the embalming steps. The funeral director doesn't prepare the body for burial. Instead, they place the body in a casket and bury it without preparing it. 

Direct burial services occur much faster. This allows a family to bury their loved one sooner. 

Why People Choose It

People generally look at a loved one's will to determine how to proceed with the funeral and burial. Some people choose various cremation options when their loved ones want cremation.

But many people are also turning to direct burial for its benefits. There are two main benefits. 

The first benefit is the costs. You'll pay less by eliminating the body preparation steps. 

Secondly, people who choose this typically skip hosting funeral services. As a result, they choose a cheaper casket, further reducing the direct burial costs. 

In addition, people often select direct burials when they don't have a funeral service. 

You Can Still Plan a Service

People may choose direct burial services for the costs. However, you can still have a funeral if you want one. In fact, you can choose any type of funeral you'd like.

For example, you can have a funeral service without the body present. Like a traditional funeral, you can host this type within a few days.

You can also host a memorial service. Memorial services usually occur weeks or months after a loved one's death. They give you more time to plan the event and time for out-of-town relatives to make plans to attend.

Others even choose burial services only. With this, they host a graveside service for the deceased's immediate family. 

Learn More About Your Options

Direct burial works well for many people, but it's not the only option. You can customize funeral plans for your loved one in many ways.

You can compare your choices and their costs to choose the right option for your loved one.

Contact us at Schumacher & Benner to learn more. We can explain your options and help you with your plans.