Cremation vs. Burial
Main Differences Between Cremation and Burial
Before any discussion of what makes cremation and burial
different, it's important to understand what each practice actually entails.
The main distinction is how the body is treated. When you choose cremation, for
example, the entire body is incinerated, leaving only ashes behind. With a
burial, in comparison, the body remains intact, typically embalmed for extended
preservation.
Relative Costs Between Cremation and Burial
What's
cheaper: cremation or burial? While it's natural to think about price,
it's not quite that simple. Much goes into the cost of a funeral and burial.
This is why it has become common practice to plan and pre-pay for such services
in advance, similar to saving for college and retirement. Planning in advance
allows the individual to choose how his or her life story should be told, and
becomes a gift for those who are left behind. It also gives you plenty of time
to decide whether you want a cremation or burial.
One of the factors that might impact your decision is
obviously cost. In general, cremation tends to be a lower cost. This is typically
because there are less elements necessary for a cremation. There is of course
the act of cremation itself, plus an urn to hold the ashes. There will also be
costs for use of a scattering garden or interment in a cremation niche.
However, a burial typically carries additional expenses, such as a burial plot,
vault for the casket, the casket and a required opening-and-closing service. It
is important to note that if you choose to bury a cremation urn (which is a
common practice, especially among certain religious faiths), you will face these
same costs, but the fact remains that cremation can occur with less required
expenses.
Cost should never be the only factor. It is important to
uphold the wishes of the deceased, whenever possible.
Which is Better for the Environment – Cremation or Burial?
Another important facet of your decision to choose between
cremation and burial might revolve around the environmental impact. There has been
much debate among those who prefer burials over cremation (and vice versa) for
which option is the more environmentally friendly. It's certainly true that
cremation takes up less space than traditional burial and thus better conserves
physical land use, but there are also increasingly more environmentally
friendly options such as what are called natural burials. Therefore, regarding
whether cremation or
burial is better for the environment, the answer ultimately depends on a
number of different choices made during the planning process. We recommend
stating this as an important consideration of yours when speaking with a burial
planning associate.
Additional Considerations
Perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing
between cremation and burial is preference. A burial comes with a memorial,
such as a flat marker or a headstone, typically with an inscription. A dual
plot or family plot can even allow loved ones to be buried together. Cremation,
on the other hand, typically involves the scattering of the remains, either in
a scattering garden or somewhere within nature. Some view this as being more
freeing and more connected with nature, while it subsequently results in less
of a typical "memorial." An interesting middle ground to consider is placement
of a cremation urn within a cremation niche, creating, in a sense, a bit of
both options.
The Final Word on Choosing Between Cremation and Burial
When it comes to deciding if cremation or burial is "better," the actual
question is which is better for the individual. There are different elements to
consider for each, from cost to personalization of the memorial to religious
stance. For some, they will want their loved ones to be able to visit them
within a cemetery to place flowers by their headstone or marker, for example. Others
may want to be released within a garden, or kept close to family within an urn.
This obviously makes it a very personal decision, but also a decision worth
consulting with loved ones. You may be surprised at their own preferences for
how they would like to remember and honor you.
If you still have questions and concerns on how to choose,
the experts at MemorialPlanning.com are always available for a free consultation.