Cremation is one of the most common choices families make today — and for good reason. It's flexible, it's straightforward, and it gives you the freedom to honor your person in a way that actually feels right. At Down to Earth Funerals, we offer two paths: direct cremation and cremation with a service. Both are handled with the same care, transparency, and respect. The only difference is what works best for you.
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is the simplest option — and the most affordable. There's no viewing, no formal ceremony, and no added pressure to plan something big while you're still processing what just happened. We handle everything: the transfer of your loved one into our care, all necessary authorizations and paperwork, transportation to the crematory, a suitable cremation container, and the return of the cremated remains to you.
That's it. No hidden fees, no unexpected extras.
Because there's no viewing facility, embalming, or formal service involved, direct cremation can save families thousands of dollars compared to a traditional arrangement. It's a dignified, cost-effective option — not a lesser one.
Many families choose to hold a memorial gathering later — days, weeks, or even months down the road — when they're ready and on their own terms.
Cremation with a Viewing or Service
If coming together before the cremation feels important, we can make that happen. A viewing or service allows family and friends to see their loved one and say goodbye in person before the cremation takes place. This might look like a traditional viewing, a small private gathering, or a personalized ceremony — whatever brings comfort.
We'll work with you to shape something that fits your wishes, your budget, and your timeline. No cookie-cutter packages. No guilt trips about what you "should" be doing.
Your Call
There's no wrong choice here. Whether you're drawn to the simplicity of direct cremation or you want the togetherness that comes with gathering first, we'll walk you through every step. Clear pricing. Real support. No surprises.
Burial Services
Burial remains one of the most meaningful ways to lay a loved one to rest — and it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're looking for something simple or something more traditional, there's room to make it your own. At Down to Earth Funerals, we offer a range of options: from direct burial to a full service with viewing, ceremony, and everything in between. All handled with the same honesty, care, and respect. The only question is what feels right for you and your family.
Direct Burial
Direct burial is the most straightforward option — and the most affordable. Your loved one is laid to rest without a formal viewing, visitation, or ceremony beforehand. We handle everything: the transfer of your loved one into our care, all necessary authorizations and paperwork, transportation to the cemetery, and a suitable container.
No elaborate arrangements. No pressure to plan something big when you're barely keeping it together.
Because there's no viewing, embalming, or formal service involved, direct burial can save families thousands compared to a traditional funeral. It's a dignified, cost-effective choice — not a lesser one.
Many families choose to hold a memorial gathering, graveside visit, or celebration of life later — whenever they're ready, on their own terms. Cemetery fees are separate and always outlined upfront.
Burial with a Viewing or Service
If gathering together before the burial matters to you, we're here to make it happen. A viewing or service gives family and friends the chance to see their loved one, say goodbye in person, and come together before the burial takes place. This could look like a traditional wake, a funeral service, a small private gathering — or a full service with all the elements, from visitation to graveside.
We'll work with you to shape something that fits your wishes, your budget, and your timeline. No cookie-cutter formula. No guilt about what you "should" be doing.
Your Call
There's no wrong way to do this. Whether you're drawn to the simplicity of direct burial or you want the comfort of coming together first, we'll walk you through every step. Clear pricing. Real support. No surprises.
Green Burial Services
Green burial is one of the most natural ways to say goodbye — and one of the oldest. Long before the modern funeral industry existed, this is how it was done. Your loved one is laid to rest in a biodegradable container or natural shroud, allowing them to return to the earth gently and fully. No embalming. No concrete vault. Just a simple, honest farewell that honors both your person and the planet.
At Down to Earth Funerals, we'll help you navigate this path — from finding the right green cemetery to understanding what's involved and what it costs. No greenwashing. No guesswork.
How It Works
Instead of a traditional casket and vault buried six feet down, green burial places your loved one at a natural depth of about three feet in a biodegradable container — or wrapped in a simple shroud. The land is preserved as natural green space, protected from future development. It's burial the way it was meant to be.
Some cemeteries market "green sections" that don't fully meet true green burial standards. We'll help you find a dedicated green cemetery that does — and be upfront about what's available in the New York area.
Making It Personal
One of the most meaningful parts of a green burial is how hands-on it can be. Families can choose to lower the casket or shroud themselves, fill the grave, or simply be present in a quiet, unhurried setting surrounded by nature. There's no production — just real moments of connection, at whatever pace feels right.
Green burial also aligns with many cultural and religious traditions — including Jewish and Muslim customs — that have long honored natural, earth-conscious practices. Whether this choice is rooted in faith, sustainability, or simplicity, we'll help you shape something that reflects what matters most.
Your Call
Green burial does require some planning ahead — especially when it comes to securing a plot. But that's what we're here for. We'll walk you through every step, answer every question, and make sure nothing gets lost in the process. Clear pricing. Real support. No surprises.
Memorial Planning
A memorial doesn't have to follow a script — and it doesn't have to happen right away. It can take place days, weeks, or even months after a loss, giving you the space to grieve first and gather when you're actually ready. At Down to Earth Funerals, we help you plan something that feels true to your person and meaningful to the people who loved them. No formula. No pressure. Just a gathering that actually makes sense for you.
What It Can Look Like
That's entirely up to you. A memorial might be a quiet afternoon in someone's living room, a gathering in Central Park, a service at a house of worship, or something completely unexpected — like a hike, a tree planting, or a guided meditation led by someone who knows how to hold space. We've helped families plan everything from intimate apartment gatherings in Manhattan to reflective retreats upstate surrounded by nature.
There's no venue requirement, no guest count minimum, and no checklist of things you're "supposed" to include. If it honors your person, it belongs.
Making It Personal
This is where it gets good. A memorial is your chance to celebrate someone the way they actually lived — not the way a funeral home brochure says you should. Maybe that means storytelling and music. Maybe it means yoga and silence. Maybe it means something no one's done before.
We'll help you shape the vision, handle the logistics, and coordinate the details so you can be fully present instead of managing a to-do list. Think of us as your behind-the-scenes production team — from finding the right space to managing the flow of the day to making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Your Call
Whether you have a clear vision or no idea where to start, we'll meet you where you are. Memorial planning should feel like a relief, not another burden. We'll walk you through every step. Clear pricing. Real support. No surprises.
Ready to take the next step?
We are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process whenever you are ready.
