Direct Cremation Or Full Cremation Services?

Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation

If you don’t know a lot about cremation services in Prior Lake, MN, you may not even realize that there are different types of cremation. Yes, the cremation process is the same all of the time, but the timing of the service can vary. You can have memorial services after the cremation takes place if you’d like. This is generally done with direct cremation or cremation that happens quickly after death without any services beforehand. But you can also have a full cremation service, which includes a full funeral and visitation first and then cremation after.

The right option can for your family isn’t something you can predict, necessarily, without looking into the details. IT’s a completely personal and private choice to decide which is right for your situation. When you are faced with the decisions, you have to think about a variety of factors. Keep in mind that both options are completely honorable and respectful. You simply have to do what you believe is best. Here are a few things to think over when deciding which path to take for your loved one:

Your Loved One’s Wishes

If you know your loved one didn’t want a full funeral, that makes the decision easy. You will go with a direct cremation and plan a smaller memorial later. However, if you aren’t sure exactly what your loved one wanted, you have to guess. Consider their personality, comments they may have made about services they’ve attended in the past, and anything else you can grasp onto to get a good idea as to what they would want for themselves. Doing what you feel they want will make you feel better about the option you pick.

Your Family’s Needs

You will also want to think about what your family members want and need to say their final goodbyes and get the closure they have to have to move on. If a full funeral is the best way to do that, then go that way. If you think your family would be okay with a direct cremation followed by a memorial service of some kind, that could serve you best. Funerals and memorial services revolve around the person who passed on, but they are just as much about the people left behind and what they need to move on.

When you plan cremation services in Prior Lake, MN for a family member, it can be hard to decide whether you should go with direct cremation or a full funeral followed by cremation. Keep in mind that there’s no bad choice. But you want to be sure about what you choose before you move forward because cremation is a permanent process that cannot be reversed. If you need more information with which to make your decisions, the professionals at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation are here to provide that for you. We will also support the decisions you make as we implement them for you. We want you to be able to honor your loved one in whatever way you see fit.

White roses resting on a gravestone in a peaceful cemetery setting, symbolizing remembrance, love
By Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation June 15, 2026
Explore living memorial ideas like tree planting and meaningful tributes with Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. Call 952-492-2818 today.
Pantheon historic monument in Mexico with unique architectural details
By Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation June 7, 2026
Learn how to craft a meaningful funeral tribute through storytelling with guidance from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. Call 952-492-2818 today.
Open book with roses resting on the pages, symbolizing remembrance and reflection
By Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation May 25, 2026
Learn how to choose meaningful funeral music that reflects a life story. Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation can help. Call 952-447-2633 today
War memorial statue honoring soldiers with wreaths and flags
By Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation May 18, 2026
Learn how to create a meaningful online tribute page with guidance from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. Call 952-447-2633 today
Family grave site with memorial stones in a peaceful cemetery setting
By Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation May 11, 2026
Discover meaningful memorial keepsakes that help families remember and heal. Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation can help. Call 952-445-1202 today.
Stop youth suicide sign on railway tracks promoting mental health awareness
By Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation May 4, 2026
Learn how to support teens through grief with guidance from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. Call 952-445-1202 for compassionate help
Stone heart with “Memory” and “Goodbye” engraved, placed at a cemetery memorial
By Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation April 27, 2026
Discover how meaningful rituals support healing and remembrance. Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation offers guidance. Call 952-492-2818 today.
Lit candles arranged for prayer, worship, and remembrance
By Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation April 20, 2026
Early grief can feel overwhelming. Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation shares thoughtful guidance and support. Call 952-492-2818 today.
Close-up of a lit candle flame casting warm light
By Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation April 13, 2026
Learn how seasons, holidays, and anniversaries affect grief. Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation offers guidance. Call 952-447-2633 today.
Grave headstone in a cemetery with grass and trees in the background
By Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation April 6, 2026
Planning a funeral from far away can feel overwhelming. Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation offers guidance and support. Call 952-447-2633 today.