Choosing cremation doesn’t mean choosing one particular type of funeral.
That distinction is important.
A family can hold a traditional funeral followed by cremation.
They can create a contemporary celebration of life.
They can hold a private farewell.
Or they may choose direct cremation without a funeral ceremony.
For families considering cremation in Adelaide, understanding these choices can make the decision considerably easier.
What Is Cremation?
Cremation is an alternative to burial in which the person who has died is cremated at a crematorium following the necessary legal and administrative processes.
The cremated remains are subsequently returned or otherwise cared for according to the family’s instructions.
The important point is that cremation describes what happens after death. It does not dictate what kind of funeral you can have.
Can You Have a Funeral Before Cremation?
Yes.
Many Adelaide families hold a funeral service before the cremation.
That service might take place at an Alfred James funeral home, church or another suitable venue.
It can include:
- music
- a eulogy
- photographs
- readings
- flowers
- religious or cultural traditions
- family tributes
- a celebrant or member of the clergy
- personalised elements reflecting the person’s life.
Alfred James can assist families in arranging these aspects of the funeral.
What Is Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation is cremation without a public funeral ceremony.
Alfred James explains that where a family chooses no ceremony, the funeral director still arranges the necessary paperwork and care of the person who has died.
This may appeal to someone who specifically said they did not want a funeral, or to families who prefer to hold a memorial separately.
Does Choosing Direct Cremation Mean We Can’t Have a Memorial?
No.
A memorial and cremation do not necessarily have to happen at the same time.
Some families choose direct cremation and later gather for a memorial, celebration of life or private family remembrance.
That might happen days or weeks later.
It can provide time for relatives to travel to Adelaide and can also give a family more time to think about how they would genuinely like to remember the person.
What Happens to the Ashes After Cremation?
There are many possibilities.
Alfred James advises that cremated remains can be returned to the family, held while a memorial position is selected, transported interstate or overseas, or scattered locally according to the family’s instructions.
There is no requirement to make that decision immediately.
That matters because families sometimes feel they need to decide everything at once.
They don’t.
Can We Choose an Urn?
Yes.
Alfred James offers cremation urns ranging from traditional options to eco urns and keepsake jewellery.
Some families choose one urn.
Others divide a portion of the cremated remains among keepsakes for different family members.
Others eventually scatter the ashes somewhere meaningful.
The right choice is personal.
Cremation Doesn’t Have to Mean Less Personal
There is sometimes an assumption that burial is traditional and personal while cremation is somehow simpler or less ceremonial.
It doesn’t have to be.
A cremation funeral can contain every element that makes a farewell meaningful.
Perhaps Mum adored roses.
Dad never missed a Crows game.
Grandad had one song everyone knew he would insist on playing.
Maybe their grandchildren want to speak.
Maybe nobody wants to speak at all.
The funeral can still be shaped around the person.
Cremation Services Across Adelaide
Alfred James assists families throughout Adelaide from funeral homes in Prospect, Unley, Lockleys, South Plympton and Morphett Vale.
That gives families across northern, central, western and southern Adelaide access to funeral directors who can explain both cremation and burial options.
And importantly, you don’t need to understand the process before making that first call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose cremation in Adelaide?
Yes. Cremation is one of the funeral options available to Adelaide families.
Can we have a funeral before the cremation?
Yes. A funeral service can take place before cremation.
What is direct cremation?
Direct cremation is cremation without a public funeral ceremony. The funeral director still handles the required arrangements and care.
Is direct cremation the same as a memorial service?
No. Direct cremation refers to the cremation taking place without a funeral ceremony. Families may choose to hold a memorial separately.
Can Alfred James arrange cremation?
Yes. Alfred James provides cremation options as part of its funeral services in Adelaide.
What happens to ashes after cremation?
Cremated remains may be returned to the family, placed in a memorial location, transported elsewhere or scattered according to the family’s wishes.
Do we need to decide what happens to the ashes immediately?
No. Alfred James advises there is no requirement for the cremated remains to be interred or returned immediately.
Can ashes be sent interstate or overseas?
Yes. Alfred James states that cremated remains can be sent intrastate, interstate or overseas.
Can we buy an urn through Alfred James?
Yes. Alfred James offers traditional urns, eco urns and keepsake options.
Where can I speak to Alfred James about cremation?
Families can speak with Alfred James through its funeral homes in Prospect, Unley, Lockleys, South Plympton and Morphett Vale.