---
title: "What Is Cremation? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "Cremation is the reduction of a body to ashes by heat. Families may choose direct cremation, with no service, or a cremation with a memorial or funeral."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cremation
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Funeral and end-of-life

# Cremation

Cremation is the reduction of a body to ashes by heat. Families may choose direct cremation, with no service, or a cremation with a memorial or funeral.

## Why it matters

Cremation is often less costly than a traditional burial, but total costs depend on the services chosen. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, a provider that offers direct cremation must also offer it with an alternative container, and must show prices on a general price list. Families should decide what to do with the ashes, and whether to buy an urn or a niche. Costs and legal steps vary by state and provider.

Source: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cremation)

[Read next, for familiesBurial insurance: is it different from final expense, and is it worth it?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/burial-insurance)

## Where we use this term

-   [Burial insurance vs life insurance vs pre-need funeral plans: what is the difference?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/burial-insurance-vs-life-insurance-vs-preneed)
-   [How much does final expense insurance cost, and what sets the price?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/final-expense-insurance-cost)
-   [Can you still get life insurance over 70? Options that still work](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/life-insurance-over-70)
-   [How much does life insurance cost, and what drives the price?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/cost)
-   [Final expense insurance: what it pays for, what it costs, and who it fits](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/final-expense)

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