Simple, dignified, affordable

Direct cremation, from $1,295.

Direct cremation is the simplest form of cremation: no embalming, no viewing, and no ceremony beforehand. Blue Star Cremation provides direct cremation for families in Rocky Mount and across eastern North Carolina at a clear, posted price, and you can arrange it online in minutes.

What is direct cremation?

Direct cremation means your loved one is cremated soon after death, without a funeral service, viewing, or embalming first. It is sometimes called simple cremation or basic cremation. Because there is no service with the body present, there is no need for embalming, a casket, or use of a funeral home chapel, which keeps the cost low.

Direct cremation does not mean going without a goodbye. Many families hold a memorial, a celebration of life, or a scattering ceremony after the cremation, on their own schedule and wherever feels right.

What direct cremation includes

Every Blue Star direct cremation plan includes:

The services of our funeral director and staff
Bringing your loved one into our care
Filing the death certificate and obtaining the authorizations and permits North Carolina requires
The cremation, at our own crematory in Rocky Mount
A cremation container, unless your family provides one

Embalming is not required by law and is not part of direct cremation.

Direct cremation prices

Direct cremation with a fiberboard container: $1,295

Direct cremation with an unfinished wood box: $1,625

Direct cremation with a container your family provides: $1,230

The container is the only difference between the three plans. The fiberboard container is simple, sturdy, and the choice most families make. The unfinished wood box is a natural wood option. You may also provide your own container, as long as it meets the crematory’s requirements.

Optional services are priced up front: medical examiner certification (up to $50), certified death certificates ($10 each), mailing of death certificates ($30), mailing of cremated remains ($130), and obituary assistance ($130). A $200 charge applies for loved ones weighing 300 to 400 pounds. Federal law gives you the right to an itemized price list from any funeral provider. See our General Price List.

Direct cremation compared with a traditional funeral

A traditional funeral adds embalming, a viewing, a casket, and a ceremony with the body present before burial or cremation. Each of those has its own charge. On our General Price List, the basic services fee for other arrangements is $2,195 by itself, before embalming ($595) and other charges are added. Direct cremation starts at $1,295 with our services already included.

Is direct cremation right for your family?

Families often choose direct cremation when:

Your loved one asked for something simple
You want a clear, affordable price with no surprises
Family members live far apart and need time to gather
You would rather hold a memorial later, in a place that meant something to your loved one

After cremation, you can keep the ashes at home, scatter them, or choose a permanent place. See our Final Resting Options, including the columbarium and scattering gardens at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

How to arrange direct cremation

Arrange online or by phone

Choose a plan and pay securely online. Family members who need to sign the cremation authorization can each sign online, wherever they live.

We bring your loved one into our care

From the hospital, hospice, care facility, or home.

We handle the paperwork and the cremation

We file the death certificate and obtain every required approval. North Carolina requires at least 24 hours between death and cremation, and most cremations are completed within 5 to 8 business days once everything is in place.

We return your loved one's ashes

Pick up at our Rocky Mount office, or we mail them to you by U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail Express.

If a death has just occurred, see our Immediate Need page or call us any time.

Direct cremation questions

Is direct cremation the same as simple cremation?

Yes. Direct cremation, simple cremation, and basic cremation all describe the same thing: cremation without a funeral service, viewing, or embalming beforehand.

How much does direct cremation cost at Blue Star?

$1,295 with a fiberboard container, $1,625 with an unfinished wood box, or $1,230 if your family provides the container. Our staff and services, bringing your loved one into our care, the required authorizations, and the cremation are all included.

Do we need to buy an urn?

No. An urn is optional. You can choose one from our merchandise now or later, or provide your own.

Can we still have a memorial service?

Yes. Many families hold a memorial or celebration of life after direct cremation, on their own schedule.

How long does direct cremation take?

Most cremations are completed within 5 to 8 business days once every authorization is signed and the medical examiner has approved.

Simple, dignified, and clearly priced.

Arrange direct cremation online in minutes, or call us at (252) 210-3949. We answer 24/7.