“I don’t want a big funeral.”
“Don’t spend a fortune on me.”
“Just keep things simple.”
They’re phrases families hear all the time.
But when that person dies, what did they actually mean?
Did they mean no funeral whatsoever?
Did they simply dislike the idea of a formal ceremony?
Would they have wanted immediate family to say goodbye privately?
And are you actually required to hold a funeral?
Do You Legally Have to Hold a Funeral Service?
A public funeral ceremony is not always required.
Alfred James explains that in a small number of circumstances families choose to have no ceremony, with a direct cremation or burial instead. The funeral director still arranges the necessary paperwork and care of the person who has died.
That distinction can be enormously helpful for families.
Choosing not to have a traditional funeral does not mean choosing not to care.
What Is Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation means the cremation takes place without a public funeral service beforehand.
The funeral director handles the practical requirements associated with taking the person into care and arranging the cremation.
For some people, this is exactly what they wanted.
For others, it becomes the first stage of a different type of farewell.
Can We Hold a Memorial Later?
Yes.
Some families choose cremation first and gather later.
Perhaps relatives need time to travel to Adelaide.
Perhaps the family wants a celebration at home.
Perhaps they would rather scatter ashes at a meaningful place.
Or perhaps everyone simply needs more than a few days to decide how they want to say goodbye.
A memorial does not need to follow the traditional funeral timetable.
Simple Doesn’t Mean Impersonal
This is important.
A smaller funeral can still be deeply meaningful.
So can a private farewell.
So can six people sitting around a dining table sharing stories.
Funeral choices should reflect the person who died and the people who loved them.
There is no prize for having the largest funeral in the room.
What If Some Family Members Want a Funeral and Others Don’t?
This can be difficult, particularly when someone left informal instructions such as “don’t make a fuss.”
Different family members may interpret that very differently.
One option may be direct cremation followed by an informal memorial.
Another may be a small private funeral.
Another may involve a private opportunity for close family to say goodbye without holding a larger public ceremony.
A funeral director can explain the practical possibilities so the family can make an informed decision.
Can Direct Cremation Still Include an Urn?
Yes.
After cremation, families can decide what they would like to do with the cremated remains.
Alfred James offers traditional urns, eco urns and keepsake jewellery.
Cremated remains may also be kept while a family decides on a memorial location, transported interstate or overseas, or scattered according to the family’s instructions.
Simple Funeral Options Across Adelaide
Families can discuss funeral and cremation options with Alfred James through funeral homes in Prospect, Unley, Lockleys, South Plympton and Morphett Vale.
You don’t need to decide between a traditional funeral, small service or direct cremation before contacting the team.
The purpose of the conversation is to understand your options first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to have a funeral service in Adelaide?
A public funeral ceremony is not always required. Direct cremation or burial without a ceremony may be chosen in some circumstances.
What is direct cremation?
Direct cremation is cremation without a public funeral ceremony beforehand.
Does Alfred James offer direct cremation?
Yes. Alfred James provides direct cremation as one of its funeral options.
Can we have a memorial after direct cremation?
Yes. Families may choose to hold a separate memorial or gathering.
Can a simple funeral still be personalised?
Absolutely. A smaller funeral or memorial can include music, photographs, stories and other meaningful elements.
What happens to the ashes after direct cremation?
They can be returned to the family, kept pending a later decision, placed in a memorial location, transported or scattered according to the family’s wishes.
Can cremated remains be sent overseas?
Yes. Alfred James states that cremated remains can be sent interstate or overseas.
Can we choose an urn?
Yes. Alfred James offers traditional urns, eco urns and keepsake options.
Where can we discuss direct cremation in Adelaide?
Alfred James has funeral homes in Prospect, Unley, Lockleys, South Plympton and Morphett Vale.
Can I speak to Alfred James before deciding what type of funeral we want?
Yes. Families can discuss their circumstances and available options before deciding on the form of funeral.