Debunking 7 Cremation Myths: The Real Truth About Direct Cremation
Several myths about cremation exist on the internet and through word of mouth, making some families wary about the process. For example, some believe there is no custody of care, and that choosing cremation eliminates services, viewings, and personalized options. This article debunks those myths, providing insight into what’s really involved.
Key Takeaways
- Although cremation is growing in popularity, myths exist, making some people reluctant to choose it over burial.
- Common myths include the body leaving the care managers’ custody and the process possibly excluding services, viewings, and personalized options. Others believe it’s frowned on by religions.
- The truth is, cremation is typically overseen by vetted companies and vendors and offers various celebration-of-life options, making it more flexible than burials. It is also now widely accepted by most religions.
Table of Contents
- Myth 1: When You Choose Cremation, the Body Leaves the Care of Care Managers
- Myth 2: Choosing Cremation Means You Can’t Have a Service
- Myth 3: Cremation is Uncommon
- Myth 4: Cremation is Impersonal / A “Budget” Option with No Dignity
- Myth 5: You Can’t Have an Open-Casket Viewing Before Cremation
- Myth 6: Cremated Remains Aren’t “All” of the Person/Something is Left Out
- Myth 7: Cremation Isn’t Allowed by Most Religions
- Myth 8: All Cremation Providers Are the Same, So Price Is the Only Differentiator
- Myth vs. Fact Table
- Contact Opal Cremation Today
- FAQs
Cremation has grown in popularity throughout the world. In Southern California, the cremation rate has reached nearly 70% — well above the national average — yet Los Angeles and Orange County families still hold several misconceptions when it comes to this method of dealing with remains.
funeral and mourning concept – red rose and cremation urn with burning candles on table in church
At Opal Cremation, we believe it’s important to tell the whole story about cremation so client families can make the most informed decisions. Read on as we debunk common myths and tell you what the process is really like.
Myth 1: When You Choose Cremation, the Body Leaves the Care of Care Managers
We realize there are a lot of horror stories out there about mishandling and losing track of bodies. While issues exist, you won’t experience them when you work with a reliable provider like Opal.
We personally vet and monitor every step, ensuring your loved one is always in trusted hands. A dedicated care manager tracks the process, from the moment they’re placed in our care. We maintain strict chain-of-custody protocols and only work with crematories and vendors that meet our standards for care, licensing, and accountability.
Myth 2: Choosing Cremation Means You Can’t Have a Service
Opting for cremation over burial doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a memorial service. Families often host celebrations of life before and/or after cremation, making the process more flexible and less stressful. And the options are virtually endless.
You can gather with relatives, do a memorial release, plant a garden– and the list goes on.
“Cremation is only a form of final disposition. You still have all the service options available that you would with a conventional funeral: visitation hours, the choice of an open or closed casket, or a memorial ceremony before the cremation.”
-Guy Weisenback, Homesteaders senior account executive, from the article Dispelling Myths About the Funeral Profession
Myth 3: Cremation is Uncommon
Think cremation is still a rare choice in the U.S.? Think again. 2025 NFDA statistics show the cremation rate in the country is currently 63.4% and is projected to rise to 82.3% by 2045.
Cremation’s popularity attests to its reliability, affordability, eco-friendliness, and simplicity. It also shows that the process is not taboo and is well regarded by the general population.
Myth 4: Cremation is Impersonal / A “Budget” Option with No Dignity
To some, a burial may seem like a personalized choice with a service and unique gravesite. Cremation, on the other hand, may seem less personal- the body is burned and stashed away in an urn so the family can save money. But the truth is, with cremation, the personalization options are nearly limitless.
For example, Opal offers various urns, keepsakes, and celebration-of-life options that can be as unique as your loved one, including memorial diamonds, parting stones, and sea scatterings. We will help you find a solution ideally suited to your family’s wishes.
Many families don’t realize that federal law doesn’t require a casket for cremation. Only an “alternative container” is needed. It’s a simple, dignified enclosure designed specifically for the process.
This is one of the main reasons cremation costs less than traditional burial, and it has nothing to do with cutting corners. The savings simply come from skipping an expense that was never necessary, leaving more room in the budget to personalize cremation with a meaningful urn, a keepsake, or a memorial diamond.
Myth 5: You Can’t Have an Open-Casket Viewing Before Cremation
Some families think that cremation doesn’t leave room for an open-casket viewing, which many think of as a way to seek closure. Wrong again.
At Opal, families can say good-bye to their loved one at our Anaheim facility. We will work with our clients to design a lovely service and dignified cremation process.
Myth 6: Cremated Remains Aren’t “All” of the Person/Something is Left Out
Not entirely a myth; this one is rooted in truth.
Before a person is cremated, non-combustible items, such as medical devices and joint replacements, are removed. However, the ashes still consist of every natural part of your loved one’s body.
Others may be concerned that, with multiple cremations each day, families will get ‘mixed remains’ or certain parts will be left out. But when you work with a reputable service, these occurrences are extremely rare.
Did you know cremated remains aren’t technically ashes? The cremation itself reduces the body to bone fragments, which are then carefully processed into the smooth, sand-like consistency families expect. The process is thorough, with every fragment accounted for and processed, which is why the remains you receive represent the entirety of what’s returned.
Myth 7: Cremation Isn’t Allowed by Most Religions
This myth may have been true at one time, but today, things are changing.
In the past, religions like Judaism, Catholicism, and Christianity frowned on cremation because they thought it was best to leave bodies intact for resurrection. But in modern times, they are becoming less strict. For example:
- In 1963, Pope John XXIII lifted the ban on cremation, and the Church now permits it as long as it isn’t chosen to reject the doctrine of bodily resurrection
- While Orthodox and conservative Jews still frown on cremation, Reform Judaism allows it and even encourages it
Myth 8: All Cremation Providers Are the Same, So Price Is the Only Differentiator
We get it, cremation is cremation. The only difference between one service and another is the price. Right? Wrong!
While we can’t speak for every cremation company, we stand out for our dedication to customer service. In addition to offering a high level of care and transparent, all-inclusive pricing, we help families arrange every step of the cremation process, including travel, insurance, hand delivery, shipping, and military benefits, at no additional cost. We also help clients explore celebration-of-life options, ensuring they honor their loved ones in a personal way.
Myth vs. Fact Table
| Myth | Fact |
| The body leaves Opal’s care once cremation begins | A dedicated Opal care manager tracks your loved one from intake through every step, including transport to vetted, licensed partner crematories |
| Cremation means you can’t have a service | Families can host a celebration of life before or after cremation, with far more flexibility than a traditional burial timeline allows |
| Cremation is uncommon | It’s now the majority choice — 63.4% nationally in 2025, projected to reach 82.3% by 2045 |
| Cremation is impersonal or “budget” | Personalization options are nearly limitless, from custom urns to memorial diamonds, parting stones, and sea scatterings |
| You can’t have an open casket viewing before cremation | Opal offers in-person goodbyes at our Anaheim facility before a dignified cremation |
| Cremated remains leave something out | Non-combustible items like medical devices are removed for safety, but all natural remains are returned to the family |
| Cremation isn’t allowed by most religions | Views are shifting — the Catholic Church lifted its ban in 1963, and Reform Judaism now permits cremation |
| All cremation providers are the same | Pricing, transparency, and included services (travel, insurance, military benefits, hand delivery) vary widely between providers |
Contact Opal Cremation Today
It’s no myth that people feel uncomfortable talking about death and dying. However, it’s crucial to discuss after-life plans with family members as it ensures people will be memorialized according to their wishes. Opal is here when you’re ready to have that conversation.
Opal Cremation serves families throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, working side by side with our clients to find solutions to all their cremation and grief-service needs. Find out why we’re the best direct cremation company in Southern California. For more information about how Opal Cremation can support you, check out our cremation guide or contact us directly at 1-888-264-3730.
FAQs
Does cremation cost less because it’s a lower-quality option?
No, cremation does not cost less because it’s a lower-quality option. It is less expensive because it doesn’t require a casket, a headstone, funeral services, or burial, although these options are available.
Can I still have a funeral service if I choose cremation?
Yes, you can still have a funeral service if you choose cremation, including visitations, viewings, and memorial services. Cremation only affects the disposition of the remains, not whether a service takes place.
How long after death does cremation take place in California?
Typically, it takes about two weeks to schedule the cremation and get the death certificate. However, the timeline varies depending on how quickly families and doctors sign paperwork and other possible obstacles.
What happens if family members disagree about cremation?
Typically, next of kin get priority, starting with the spouse, then the adult children, before moving on to secondary relatives. If the next of kin cannot agree, the law cannot move forward until a decision is reached.
Can I keep my loved one’s ashes at home?
Yes, California law allows families to store cremated remains at home. Relatives sign a permit agreeing to arrange final disposition eventually, but there’s no timeline dictating when that needs to happen.
Sources
- The Cremation Process in California: A Step-by-Step Guide — After.com: https://www.after.com/articles/cremation-process-in-california
- Cremation Laws in California: What Families Need to Know — After.com: https://www.after.com/articles/cremation-laws-in-california
- What Is Direct Cremation? A Guide for California Families — Opal Cremation: https://www.opalcremation.com/what-is-direct-cremation/
- Cremation Laws Explained — US Funerals Online: https://us-funerals.com/understanding-cremation-laws-and-how-they-affect-arranging-a-cremation/
- California Cremation Laws and Requirements — LegalClarity: https://legalclarity.org/california-cremation-laws-and-requirements/
