Cremation Versus Burial – How To Decide Which

Pre-planning your funeral or attempting to plan the services for a loved one who has passed can feel overwhelming. There are a tremendous number of decisions that must be made, but perhaps the most important one is whether you want to opt for cremation or burial. There are advantages to each of these approaches, so you will have to consider which one is right for you. 

If you want to learn more about the differences, this breakdown will give you everything you need to know: 

Cost

One of the aspects in deciding whether you want to go with cremation or burial is the cost of the service. A burial tends to be more expensive, in part, because it may require the body to go through the embalming process. On top of the price of a burial plot, loved ones will also need to purchase a casket and headstone These many different facets of a burial can add up quickly. 

If you are on a budget and do not want to put financial strain on the family, then cremation may be a better fit for you. Instead of a casket, you’ll only need to purchase an urn to hold the remains after the cremation is performed. While some people do choose to bury the urn in a cemetery or burial plot, others scatter the ashes or to keep them in the family home. 

Places To Visit

Another important aspect of the burial versus cremation debate is how it will affect your loved ones after your passing. How will they be able to visit and honour you after your death? If you are cremated and a loved one keeps your ashes in their home, it may be more challenging for others to still feel connected to you. 

On the other hand, a burial in a cemetery may make it easier for your friends and family members to visit the site of your grave. This is also another reason why some individuals choose that the urn containing their remains be buried somewhere accessible. 

Personalized Process

There are many people who believe in the sanctity of a religious burial with specific traditions and ceremonies. Others may want a funeral with a less formal approach. There are many ways to customize this burial process, ranging from the casket selection to the location of the burial plot, to the flowers. You can choose what music will play at your graveside as you are buried and who you’ll want to speak to. 

Cremation also allows for a variety of memorial services - religious or secular, formal or free-flowing - you can choose what you’d like when you pre-plan.

Deciding Between Burial & Cremation

Are you struggling to make a decision between burial and cremation? Whether you are planning the service for a loved one or pre-planning for your own funeral, Alterna Cremation can help you make these important decisions. Learn more about what we can offer you in your time of need here!