What's the difference between Bare Cremation and a traditional funeral?

When someone you love passes away, making funeral arrangements can feel overwhelming, particularly when there are several decisions to consider.

If your loved one wished to be cremated, there are different ways to arrange their farewell. Some families choose a traditional funeral service before cremation, while others prefer a simpler arrangement without a formal service beforehand.

At Bare Cremation, we understand that every family has different needs, traditions, and preferences. This guide explains how our direct cremation services compare with a traditional funeral, including the arrangements involved and the flexibility each option provides.

What's included in a traditional funeral?

A traditional funeral followed by cremation generally involves a viewing, visitation, or funeral service before cremation takes place.

These arrangements are typically coordinated through a funeral home and may include:

• Professional care and preparation of the deceased. Embalming is not automatically required for a traditional funeral in Ontario; it is generally an optional service, depending on the arrangements chosen and the circumstances.
• A viewing or visitation with an open or closed casket.
• A funeral service at a funeral home, place of worship, or another suitable location.
• Transportation to the crematorium.
• Additional services such as flowers, music, memorial stationery, and catering.

Families can choose which services to include based on their wishes, traditions, and preferences.

Because these arrangements involve additional facilities, staff, and preparation, a traditional funeral followed by cremation generally costs more than direct cremation.

How is Bare Cremation different?

At Bare Cremation, we focus on providing simple and straightforward direct cremation services.

Our standard direct cremation package takes place without a viewing, visitation, or formal funeral service beforehand. For families who would like something more, Bare Cremation may also be able to arrange a memorial service as an additional option.

Our team coordinates the necessary arrangements, including the transfer of your loved one to an appropriate licensed facility, completing the required documentation and authorizations, and arranging the cremation.

Once the cremation is complete, your loved one’s cremated remains will be returned to your family through Canada Post.

Because direct cremation does not include a traditional funeral service, it is generally a more affordable option. Families can avoid many of the additional expenses associated with formal ceremonies while still receiving the essential services required for cremation.

At Bare Cremation, we believe choosing a simpler cremation should not mean compromising on the dignity, respect, or professional care your loved one deserves.

Can you still hold a memorial after choosing Bare Cremation?

Yes. Choosing direct cremation does not mean you cannot hold a memorial or celebration of life.

With a traditional funeral followed by cremation, the funeral service usually takes place before the cremation. This means the ceremony needs to be coordinated as part of the funeral arrangements.

Direct cremation allows families to arrange a gathering separately, without needing to organize a formal service beforehand.

Some families prefer to hold a memorial a few weeks later, particularly when relatives live in different cities, provinces, or countries and need time to travel.

Others may choose a smaller gathering at home, a place of worship, a community centre, or another meaningful location.

Bare Cremation may also be able to help families arrange a memorial or celebration of life through our venue partners. Our team can let you know what options are available.

This gives families more flexibility to decide how and when they would like to remember their loved one.

How are the cremated remains returned to the family?

Following cremation, your loved one's cremated remains are respectfully placed into a suitable container in preparation for their return.

The return process depends on the funeral provider and the arrangements selected. Some providers offer collection from a funeral home or crematorium, while others may arrange delivery.

At Bare Cremation, we return your loved one's cremated remains by Canada Post.

Which option is right for your family?

Choosing between Bare Cremation and a traditional funeral comes down to your loved one's wishes and your family's needs and preferences.

Bare Cremation's direct cremation package does not include a viewing, visitation, or formal funeral service before cremation. Please speak with our team to learn more before making other arrangements.

If you prefer a simpler arrangement without a formal service beforehand, direct cremation may be worth considering. It generally involves fewer arrangements and can help reduce the overall cost.

Some families also appreciate being able to arrange a memorial separately, giving them more time to plan a gathering that feels meaningful.

Both options allow families to honour and remember their loved one. The main differences are the services involved, the costs, and when a farewell takes place.

Planning a cremation with Bare Cremation

At Bare Cremation, we understand that arranging a cremation can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are coping with the loss of someone you love.

Our goal is to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible while ensuring your loved one is treated with dignity, care, and respect.

Whether you are planning ahead or need to arrange a cremation for someone who has recently passed away, our team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through the necessary arrangements.

To learn more about our direct cremation services or request a quote, visit our Cremation Page or call our care team 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (416) 900-7176.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information. Requirements, procedures, and costs may vary by province or territory. The information provided does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Families should consult their funeral provider or the appropriate authorities regarding their specific circumstances.