Considering funeral planning? Wondering how cremation compares to burial? In this article, we’ll outline the basics of both cremation and burial, and help you decide which is the best option for you.
What is Cremation?
Cremation is the burning of a body without any accompanying burial. This process can be done in a crematorium or in a private ceremony. Cremation is believed to be more eco-friendly than a traditional burial.
What is Burial?
What is burial? Burial is the process of interring a dead body in the ground. This can be done in a cemetery, or alternatively, the body may be buried in a designated plot at a crematorium.
The Pros and Cons of Cremation vs Burial
Cremation is a popular choice for those who want to bury their loved ones without having to deal with the hassle and expense of a traditional funeral. While cremation has its pros, burial also has its own set of benefits. Here’s a look at how each option stacks up:
– Cremation is cheaper than burial:
Cremation is generally less expensive than burial. This is because cremation doesn’t require the use of caskets, grave markers, or other associated costs. In fact, some crematoriums offer prepaid packages that make the process even more affordable.
– Cremation results in fewer environmental concerns:
One of the biggest benefits of cremation is that it leaves few environmental concerns behind. Unlike a traditional burial where soil and vegetation are disturbed and released into the environment, cremation simply vaporizes the remains. This means that there are no toxic byproducts created as a result of the burning process, and none for embalming or other post-mortem care.
– Cremation preserves remains:
Another benefit of cremation is that it preserves remains in a way that a traditional burial cannot. While a body is buried, the process of decomposition occurs and the remains are eventually reduced to bone. Cremation, on the other hand, preserves remains in their entirety, which means that they can be viewed and remembered in the same way as when they were alive.
– Cremation allows for greater flexibility in funeral arrangements:
Cremation also allows for greater flexibility in funeral arrangements. Instead of having to choose between a traditional funeral with a graveside service or a cremation with no services at all, families can choose a hybrid option that combines elements of both options. This gives them more control over what kind of memorial they want and how they want it to be displayed.
The Cost of Cremation vs Burial
When it comes to funeral arrangements, many people are torn between cremation and burial. Before making a final decision, it’s important to be aware of the cost difference between the two. Here’s a breakdown of how much cremation costs versus burial:
Cost of Cremation vs Burial:
Cremation costs $1,500 on average, while burial costs $5,000 on average. However, this price range can vary significantly depending on the location, cemetery, and funeral service provider. In some cases, burial costs as much as $10,000 or more.
Ultimately, your preferences determine which type of funeral you should choose. If you want to keep your remains private and are used to spending a little bit more for that privilege, cremation could be a good option. If you’re not sure which type to choose, highlighting online memorials can help alleviate confusion from the decision.
There are also many ways to reduce the cost of funeral expenses. For example, you can choose a low-cost crematorium or bury your remains in an affordable grave plot. In addition, you can create a memorial tribute in honor of your loved one that can include cremation urns, flowers, and remembrance items.
Which One is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing a funeral plan, there are a few things to keep in mind. One option is cremation. Cremation is the burning of human remains, usually bones, to create ashes that can be scattered or kept as keepsakes.
Cremation is generally cheaper than burial, depending on the type of service you choose. Burial costs can range from just a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Cremation also has environmental benefits since it doesn’t require the use of land or water.
If you’re considering cremation, here are some things to keep in mind:
-What kind of service do you want? There are many different types of cremations, from simple rites to full ceremonies with music and flowers.
-How big an urn do you need? Most cemeteries will charge by the cubic foot for an urn, so be sure to factor that into your budget. An adult burial typically uses about 2 cubic feet of ashes, while a child’s burial uses about half that amount.
-Is there someone you want to scatter the ashes near? If so, make sure to discuss your plans with the crematorium so they can set up the ashes in the right place.
If you’re considering burial, here are some things to keep in mind:
-What kind of service do you want? There are many different types of burials, from simple rites to full ceremonies with music and flowers.
-How big an urn do you need? Most cemeteries will charge by the cubic foot for an urn, so be sure to factor that into your budget. An adult burial typically uses about 2 cubic feet of ashes, while a child’s burial uses about half that amount.
-Is there someone you want to bury near? If so, make sure to discuss your plans with the cemetery so they can set up the body in the right place.
Conclusion
Cremation vs burial is a question that often arises when it comes to the final disposition of a loved one. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both cremation and burial, as well as provide you with an estimated cost for each. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but hopefully, this article has helped you make an informed decision about what is best for your family.