Many people pre-plan their own funeral service. Perhaps you are considering doing this as a service to your family. After all, it’s difficult for those who are left behind to decide between cremation vs burial when their loved one wasn’t clear in their beliefs or preferences.
However, you may be struggling with this decision yourself. Which is better – traditional burial or cremation services? Here are some thoughts about choosing between these two types of services.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Cremation or Burial Funeral Service
It’s worth noting that according to the latest data from the National Funeral Directors Association, the 2023 cremation rate was 60.5%, while 34.5% of families chose burial.
Understand that choosing a method of disposition is a deeply personal decision. You may already know which you prefer, and this article will not try to persuade you to choose cremation or burial. Instead, we will provide factors most people use when making informed funeral plans.
Religious beliefs
Your personal beliefs or religious considerations may play a significant role when choosing between cremation or burial. Some religions have specific traditions or guidelines regarding methods of disposition.
For example, Orthodox Jews often choose burial, and Hindus often opt for cremation. Please note that the Catholic Church has allowed for cremation in recent years – with the rule that the cremation urns are placed in a place approved for Catholic inurnment. However, the Eastern Orthodox Church rejects the practice of cremation.
If you aren’t sure how your faith group views cremation or burial, consult your religious leader.
Cultural or familial traditions
Cultural traditions and customs can influence the choice between cremation and burial. When making final arrangements, it’s essential to consider what is culturally acceptable and meaningful to you and your family.
Type of service (memorial service vs traditional funeral)
Sometimes, end-of-life traditions are related to the type of service instead of the disposition. Please note that you can have a traditional funeral service with open casket visitation followed by cremation – if having a viewing of the body is important to your family members.
In addition, you can still have a religious service or memorial service after the body is cremated.
Environmental concerns
Some consider the environmental impact of each option.
A cremation chamber releases carbon emissions, while traditional burial will require embalming fluids and non-biodegradable materials.
Some people opt for environmentally friendly alternatives like natural burials or green cremation. However, green burial and cremation options aren’t available in some communities.
Cost
Funeral costs can be a practical consideration. Direct cremation is often less expensive than traditional burial, which involves additional expenses such as a burial plot, casket, and grave marker. The availability of burial plots in a cemetery may also influence your decision. In densely populated areas, there may be limited space for traditional burials, making cremation a more practical choice.
Memorialization
Consider your final resting place. Traditional burials often involve a gravesite that family and friends can visit. Cremation allows for various memorialization options, such as scattering ashes, keeping them in a cremation urn, placing them in a columbarium, or burial.
If you have decided to opt for cremation and you live in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, or Washington, consult with Smart Cremation. We offer pre-planning options that will enable you to save money compared with what you would spend at a traditional funeral home.
Read more about laws that need to be considered for cremations in the following states:
To get more information, fill out the contact form on our website, and a member of the Smart Cremation team will be in touch.
Key Takeaways About Burial vs Direct Cremation
- The deceased’s religious beliefs are often considered when choosing between burial vs cremation.
- Family or community traditions are also considered.
- Some people consider the environmental ramifications of cremation or burial and may choose cremation because it doesn’t require embalming fluid or a burial vault.
- Some choose the cremation process because it is typically more affordable.
