What Direct Burial Means
Direct burial, also called immediate burial, is a burial without a viewing or funeral service beforehand. It is a simpler arrangement, and it doesn’t stop a family from gathering. This page explains what it includes, what it leaves out, and how it compares with a traditional funeral and burial.
The funeral home takes your loved one into its care, completes the paperwork, and carries out the burial, with no viewing or ceremony beforehand. Anything else, such as a graveside service, a marker, or a memorial later, is added only if the family arranges it.
What direct or immediate burial means
“Immediate” describes the arrangement, not a deadline. The burial happens without a viewing or funeral first, but the timing still depends on the family, the funeral home, and the cemetery.
In Utah, a body held more than 24 hours after death must be refrigerated or embalmed. Because an immediate burial has no viewing, embalming usually isn’t part of it. The FTC names immediate burial as one of the arrangements where a family can usually avoid paying for embalming.
What may be included, and what may not
- The funeral home’s basic services and paperwork
- Transfer into the funeral home’s care
- Care of the body until the burial
- A casket or other container, depending on the option chosen
- Transportation to the cemetery
- Coordination with the cemetery
- A viewing or visitation
- A funeral service
- A graveside ceremony
- The cemetery plot and opening and closing the grave
- A burial vault, if the cemetery requires one
- A marker or headstone
Under the FTC Funeral Rule, a funeral home that offers immediate burial must list it on its General Price List, including a price for when the family provides the casket. For what it costs in Salt Lake County, see direct burial cost in Utah.
Can we have a gathering later?
Yes. Many families who choose immediate burial hold a memorial, a celebration of life, or a private gathering at another time or place. Some add a short graveside service at the burial itself. See funeral, memorial and graveside services.
Direct burial vs. a traditional funeral and burial
Burial first, gathering optional
- No viewing or funeral before the burial
- Fewer services and less staff and facility time
- A graveside service or later memorial can be added
Viewing and funeral, then burial
- A viewing or visitation, often with preparation
- A funeral service, then a procession to the cemetery
- More services, so more line items on the bill
The burial is the same. What differs is what happens before it.
Questions to ask
- What does your immediate burial include?
- Is a casket or container included, and what if we provide our own?
- Can family members be present at the burial?
- What will we arrange and pay directly with the cemetery?
- If we want a short graveside service, what would that add?
“What exactly happens, and what is included, if we choose immediate burial?”
Ready to see how these choices apply to your situation?
Your Wayfinder Plan can help organize the options you’re considering and give you a clearer picture of what to ask and compare.
Build My Wayfinder Plan- Refrigeration or embalming after 24 hours: Utah Admin. Code R436-8-4.
- Embalming disclosure and immediate burial on the General Price List: FTC, Complying with the Funeral Rule.
This page provides general information for planning and is not legal advice.