When it comes to making arrangements for our final resting place, the decision between cremation and burial is deeply personal. It is reflective of our values, beliefs, and individual preferences.

In recent years, cremation has seen a significant rise in popularity, challenging the traditional choice of burial. As this shift occurs, it draws more attention to both options to make an informed decision that aligns with personal desires and honors our legacy.

Why People Choose Cremation

Cremation, the process of reducing a body to cremains, offers unique advantages that resonate with many individuals today.

It provides flexibility and unique options for memorialization.

  • Religion: Traditionally, religions like Catholicism and Judaism held strong reservations against cremation, but they have become more accepting of the practice. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the number of Americans who do not identify with any specific religion and opt for cremation instead of burial since the latter is considered a religious act.
  • Flexibility: Cremation offers the advantage of flexibility when it comes to funeral arrangements and memorialization. It allows for the time after the death to arrange a ceremony or celebration of life. This is particularly helpful if family and friends live far apart, providing time for travel and enabling families to bring their loved ones together.
  • Cost-Effective Option: Cremation is often chosen by families as a more cost-effective option compared to traditional burials. The cost differences can vary significantly and depend on various factors, but cremation is almost always less expensive than a traditional funeral.
  • Creative Memorial: Cremation offers numerous unique options for the lasting remembrance of a loved one. The cremated remains, known as cremains, can be preserved in urns, scattered in meaningful locations, or even incorporated into jewelry or artwork. Cremated remains can also be memorialized in mausoleums, or a columbarium The choices for honoring a loved one through cremation are diverse and individualized.
  • Environmental Reasons: Cremation is often viewed as a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional burial. Many people perceive cremation as an eco-friendly choice due to its reduced use of chemicals, space efficiency, and minimal material requirements.

The cremation process is often chosen because of religious reasons, but also because it is a flexible and cost-effective option.

Why People Choose Burial

Burial is a more traditional option and holds deep cultural and religious significance for many.

It provides a tangible and permanent physical presence, allowing loved ones to visit a gravesite and engage in traditional rituals and ceremonies.

Burial can also provide a sense of continuity and connection to family history, as generations can be laid to rest together in family plots.

  • Religion: Many families choose burial services as a result of religious convictions. In Christianity, the belief in the resurrection of the body holds great importance, making burial a significant religious ceremony. Similarly, Jewish and Islamic beliefs and customs strongly influence the decision to opt for burial as the preferred final resting option.
  • Tradition: Burial is deeply rooted in tradition and is often seen as the default way to bid farewell and pay tribute to a loved one. It holds a strong appeal for those who prefer conventional practices.
  • Peace of Mind: The ceremonial act of a burial service can play a crucial role in helping individuals find emotional closure and solace in the process of saying goodbye to their loved ones.
  • Permanent Gravesite to Visit: For many individuals, having a physical location to visit their loved one’s final resting place plays a crucial role in their grieving process and fosters a sense of connection. This tangible presence allows for a continued bond and a means to honor and remember them in a comforting way.
  • The Body is Respected: Cremation can elicit discomfort in some individuals due to the misconception that cremation does not provide the level of respect they believe the body deserves.

The burial process provides a permanent gravesite to visit, and it is considered as a respectful deed towards the body of the deceased.

Cremation Process

The process of cremation involves the careful and respectful transformation of a deceased body into cremated remains, also known as cremains.

While specific procedures may vary slightly depending on location and cultural practices, the general steps involved in the cremation process are as follows:

  • Preparation of the Body: The initial step in the burial process involves cleansing and sanitizing the body. This crucial stage serves various purposes, such as ensuring the health and safety of funeral staff, visiting friends, and family members. It also demonstrates a level of dignity and respect for the deceased.
  • Before Cremation: Before the cremation takes place, the deceased person’s identity is confirmed through proper documentation. This typically involves verifying the name, date of birth, and other relevant details. Proper authorization for cremation is obtained from the designated individual, such as the next of kin or a prearranged plan. Before the commencement of the cremation process, family members have the opportunity to bid their final farewells, perform ceremonial rituals, or hold a funeral service. If a funeral or visitation service takes place, the family can retrieve any personal belongings or valuable items, such as jewelry or other personal possessions, following the service.
  • During Cremation: Inside the cremation chamber, intense heat ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (760 to 1,093 degrees Celsius) is generated. This high temperature, usually produced by gas or propane burners, reduces the body to bone fragments through a combination of combustion, vaporization, and oxidation. The process usually takes between two to three hours. Afterward, there is a cooling period for safe handling of the resulting remains, which usually weigh 3-9 pounds and appear white.
  • After Cremation: The processed cremains are placed in a chosen urn or container, which can range from simple to ornate, depending on personal preferences. The urn is returned to the family or the designated location.

Burial Process

The process of burial involves the interment of a deceased body in the ground, typically in a designated burial plot or cemetery.

While specific customs and rituals may vary depending on cultural, religious, and personal preferences, the general steps involved in a traditional burial process are as follows:

  • Preparation of the Body: After the person has passed away, the body is typically prepared for burial. This process may involve washing, dressing, and embalming, which is the temporary preservation of the body using chemicals to delay decomposition. Embalming is often performed if there will be a viewing or visitation before the burial.
  • Before Burial: Before the burial, a funeral service or memorial ceremony is usually held to honor the deceased and provide an opportunity for family and friends to come together to pay their respects, offer condolences, and celebrate the life that was lived. The funeral service may take place in a funeral home, place of worship, or another designated location.
  • During Burial: Following the funeral service, the body is transported to the cemetery where the burial will take place. The family of the deceased may have previously chosen a burial plot in a cemetery or family burial site. If not, arrangements are made to select an appropriate location in a cemetery. The grave is typically lined with a burial vault or liner, which provides support and protection for the casket.
  • After Burial: After the burial, a headstone or grave marker is often placed at the grave site to provide a permanent marker and memorial for the deceased. This marker typically includes the name, dates of birth, and death, and may include additional personal or religious symbols or inscriptions. Family members may choose to personalize the marker further with photos, quotes, or other meaningful elements.

Pros and Cons of Cremation

It’s important to note that throughout the cremation process, strict protocols are followed to ensure the dignity and respect of the deceased.

Crematories adhere to legal and ethical standards, and the entire process is overseen by trained professionals who understand the significance of handling remains with care and sensitivity.

Pros 

  • Option for memorial service available before or after cremation
  • Possibility to divide ashes among multiple family members
  • Cremation typically costs less than a traditional burial
  • Easy transportation of ashes
  • Various choices are available for handling cremated remains
  • Environmentally conscious choice

Cons

  • Not compatible with certain religious beliefs.
  • No possibility for future exhumation of the body.
  • Choosing simple cremation without a final service can make the grieving process more challenging for some people

Pros and Cons of Burial

Burial customs may vary across cultures, religions, and personal preferences.

Ultimately, the burial process is a deeply personal and significant way to lay a loved one to rest and create a lasting memorial in their honor.

Pros 

  • Provides a physical location for loved ones to visit and remember the deceased’s remains.
  • Allows the family to personalize the burial process by selecting the casket, headstone, and the burial site’s location.
  • Offers a sense of familiarity, which many people find comforting.

Cons

  • More expensive than cremation 
  • Cemetery’s rules can impose limitations on your choices 

The Average Cost of Cremation and Burial

According to the National Funeral Directors Association’s cost comparisons at the time of publication, the national averages were $6,970 for cremation with a viewing and funeral, and $9,420 for burial with a vault and funeral.

Cremation costs are generally much lower than traditional burial or funeral costs due to the fewer services involved.

Cremation can range from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the options selected.

The average cost of cremation is $6,970, while the average cost of burial is $9,420.Consider Your Options

Understanding the legal requirements, considering personal and family preferences, evaluating financial implications, and reflecting on environmental and cultural factors are all essential steps toward making an informed choice. 

As the decision between cremation and burial holds profound significance, it is crucial to engage in open discussions with loved ones and seek guidance from a funeral home.

Each option carries its benefits and considerations, and ultimately, the choice should reflect your values, wishes, and the legacy you wish to leave behind.