As cremation becomes more common around the world, families today have more choices than ever when planning end-of-life arrangements. One of the most meaningful and complete options available is full service cremation — a combination of traditional funeral elements with the flexibility and affordability of cremation.

Full service cremation includes a funeral ceremony, visitation or viewing, embalming (optional), memorial service, and the cremation itself. It is often chosen by families who want the comfort of gathering, honoring, and remembering a loved one in a more formal way while still choosing cremation as the final disposition.

• What full-service cremation means

• How full-service cremation works (step-by-step process)

• Full-service cremation cost

• Benefits of choosing full-service cremation

• How it compares to direct cremation

• Frequently asked questions

• Key cremation-related keywords for better SEO

Let’s begin with what “full-service cremation” really means.

What Is Full Service Cremation?

Definition of Full-Service Cremation

Full-service cremation is a type of cremation arrangement that includes traditional funeral services before the cremation takes place. This may involve a viewing, visitation, embalming, funeral ceremony, clergy services, memorial speeches, and family gatherings.

It combines the comfort of a traditional funeral with the flexibility and affordability of cremation.

Unlike direct cremation — which involves cremating the body without any ceremony — full-service cremation provides families with closure, support, and time to say goodbye.

What Does Full Service Cremation Include?

A full-service cremation package typically includes:

1. Professional Funeral Home Services

Funeral home staff coordinate all arrangements, transportation, paperwork, and planning.

2. Embalming and Body Preparation (Optional)

Embalming preserves the body for visitation or viewing.
If a public service is planned, embalming is usually recommended.

3. Viewing or Visitation

Families can arrange a public or private viewing prior to the service.
This step offers emotional closure, allowing friends and loved ones to pay respects.

4. Funeral or Memorial Service

Full-service cremation includes:

• Funeral home chapel service

• Church service

• Graveside-style service (before cremation)

• Celebration-of-life ceremony

5. Casket Rental or Cremation Casket

For viewings, many families choose a rental casket, which is more cost-effective.

6. Cremation Process

The body is respectfully cremated after the funeral or ceremony.

7. Return of the Ashes

Ashes are returned to the family in an urn or temporary container.

How Full Service Cremation Works: Step-by-Step Process

Below is the complete full-service cremation process from start to finish.

Step 1: Removal and Transportation

Funeral staff respectfully transport the deceased from:

• Hospital

• Home

• Nursing facility

• Hospice

Step 2: Filing Legal Paperwork

The provider prepares:

• Death certificate

• Cremation authorization

• State and local permits

• Identification documents

Step 3: Embalming and Preparation

If a public viewing is planned, the body is:

• Washed

• Embalmed

• Dressed

• Cosmetically prepared

This ensures a dignified appearance during visitation.

Step 4: Viewing or Visitation

Friends and family gather for:

• Open-casket visitation

• Closed-casket visitation

• Family-only viewing

This step provides emotional comfort and allows loved ones to say goodbye.

Step 5: Full Funeral or Memorial Service

A service may include:

• Religious ceremonies

• Eulogies and speeches

• Music or hymns

• Readings or prayers

• Slideshows or memory videos

The service may occur in:

• A funeral home

• A church

• A temple

• A chapel

• A private venue

Step 6: Cremation

After the ceremony, the body is cremated in a special chamber called a retort.

Step 7: Processing and Returning the Ashes

Cremated remains are processed, placed in an urn, and returned to the family.

Families can choose to:

• Scatter ashes

• Keep them in an urn

• Divide ashes among loved ones

• Create keepsake jewelry

• Bury ashes in a cemetery or urn garden

Full Service Cremation Cost (2025 Guide)

Average Cost of Full-Service Cremation

A full-service cremation typically costs between:

$4,000 – $7,500

However, prices can vary depending on:

• Location

• Funeral home

• Type of service

• Casket rental

• Embalming

• Urn selection

Below is a typical cost breakdown:

Full-service cremation is less expensive than burial but more expensive than direct cremation.

Full Service Cremation vs Direct Cremation

Families often compare these two cremation types to understand which is best.

Full Service Cremation

• Includes viewing, ceremony & memorial

• Requires embalming (optional)

• Costs more

• Provides emotional closure

• Traditional and ceremonial

Direct Cremation

• No viewing or ceremony

• No embalming

• Most affordable option

• Cremation occurs quickly

• Memorials happen later

In short:

Full-service cremation = ceremony + cremation
Direct cremation = cremation only

Full Service Cremation vs Traditional Burial

Families choose full-service cremation when they want a traditional funeral experience without the high cost and land requirements of burial.

Benefits of Full Service Cremation

Full-service cremation offers a meaningful balance between tradition and modern simplicity.

1. Opportunity for Closure

Viewings and ceremonies help families say goodbye in a supportive environment.

2. Traditional Funeral Elements

Families can incorporate:

• Religious customs

• Cultural rituals

• Military honors

• Eulogies

• Music

3. More Affordable Than Burial

It eliminates the cost of:

• Burial plot

• Vault

• Headstone

• Full casket purchase

4. Flexibility in Memorial Options

After cremation, families may:

• Scatter ashes

• Store urns at home

• Divide into keepsake urns

• Bury ashes

• Create memorial jewelry

5. Suitable for All Belief Systems

Most faiths now accept cremation (with some exceptions such as Islam and Orthodox Judaism).

Who Should Choose Full Service Cremation?

This service is ideal for families who:

• Want a traditional funeral experience

• Want the comfort of a viewing or visitation

• Appreciate meaningful ceremonies

• Want cremation but also desire structure and support

• Prefer a balance of tradition and affordability

Types of Services Included in Full-Service Cremation

1. Funeral Service Before Cremation

Usually takes place with the body present in a rental casket.

2. Memorial Service After Cremation

May include an urn display, photos, or memorial displays.

3. Celebration of Life Event

A more modern, personal gathering often held at:

• Homes

• Parks

• Event centers

4. Religious Service

Conducted by clergy or spiritual leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is full-service cremation?

Full-service cremation includes a viewing, funeral ceremony, and cremation. It’s a complete service similar to traditional funerals but ends with cremation.

2. How much does full-service cremation cost?

On average, $4,000 to $7,500, depending on location and options chosen.

3. Do you need embalming for full-service cremation?

Embalming is optional but recommended if a viewing or visitation will take place.

4. Can you have a funeral before cremation?

Yes. Full-service cremation always includes a ceremony before the cremation.

5. Do families receive ashes after full-service cremation?

Yes. The ashes are returned in an urn or temporary container.

6. Is full-service cremation better than direct cremation?

It depends. Full-service cremation is ideal for families wanting ceremony and tradition. Direct cremation is best for affordability and simplicity.

7. What kind of urn should I choose after cremation?

Families can choose:

• Metal urns

• Wood urns

• Biodegradable urns

• Keepsake urns

• Jewelry keepsakes

You can explore premium urns at TruMemorials.com.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Balance of Tradition and Affordability

Full-service cremation provides families with the perfect balance between traditional ceremony and modern flexibility. It allows loved ones to gather, remember, and celebrate a life well lived while still choosing cremation as the final resting option.

For families looking for compassionate memorial products — urns, keepsakes, jewelry, or scattering urns — visit:
👉 TruMemorials.com

We’re here to help you honor your loved one beautifully and meaningfully.