About Us

At Direct Cremation Services of Virginia

We are not like traditional funeral homes that have large facilities, a fleet of cars, and many staff members. The cost of these extra services are passed on to every customer even if you don't use these benefits.

Our focus is on Simple Direct Cremations. By eliminating the extras we significantly reduce our operating expenses. This allows us to offer you reasonable pricing for our services that traditional funeral homes simply cannot compete with.

Direct Cremation Services of Virginia is Virginia's trusted, family-owned cremation provider that strives to provide affordable and caring cremation services to the many Virginia families who prefer a simple yet dignified cremation option. We are Virginia licensed funeral directors with over 35 years of experience serving Northern Virginia families. We operate our own crematory which means that your loved one always remains in our care.

Often life delivers challenges, such as the death of a loved one. Direct Cremation Services of Virginia has designed an "Affordable Online Funeral Arrangement Option" for families; created to reduce the stress of making final arrangements while providing caring and dignified services. At Direct Cremation Services of Virginia we follow a strict policies with each cremation.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation

What is cremation?
Cremation is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame. It is not a final disposition of the remains, nor a type of funeral service. Learn more about traditional service and cremation in Chantilly, Virginia (and Stephens City) on our resource page.
How long does the actual cremation take?
It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes from two to three hours at an optimal operating temperature between 1,500 ºF to 2,000 ºF.
What happens after the cremation is complete?
All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal items, are swept to the back of the cremation chamber and into a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridgework, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection and by using a strong magnet for smaller metallic objects. Items such as dental gold and silver are non-recoverable and are commingled in with the cremated remains. Remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a temporary or permanent urn selected by the family.
What do the cremated remains look like?
Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four to eight pounds of cremated remains.
In what kind of container are the cremated remains returned?
Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers regulations state "Cremated remains shall be placed in a plastic bag inside a rigid container provided by the crematory or by the next-of-kin..." Cremation Services of Virginia returns remains in a temporary plastic box but we offer a variety of affordable urns. The family may choose to provide their own container in which the cremated remains will be placed.
Are all the cremated remains returned?
With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.
What can be done with the cremated remains?
There are many options. Cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or a cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered on private property. Our staff will be happy to discuss options about traditional service and cremation in Chantilly, Virginia with you.
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