Choosing between burial and cremation is a deeply personal decision, and one that is difficult for many people. Over the last several years, cremation has gained in popularity, surpassing burial as the most popular choice. That being said, however, several factors must be weighed when making the decision.
Cremation Benefits
It’s less expensive. With no coffin, burial, monument, or plot, a cremation can cost as little as a sixth of what traditional burial costs. Cremations can cost as little as $1,000.
It’s more flexible. Ashes are much easier to deal with than physical remains. Funerals can sometimes be rushed due to the perishability of the remains, which can be very stressful for loved ones. With cremation, you can take more time to plan a ceremony and consider how much you can spend.
It’s portable. If you have loved ones or family members who live in different parts of the country, you can plan a ceremony in a place that’s easier for everyone to get to—urns are portable. With a traditional burial, you don’t have as much flexibility in location.
Burial Benefits
Burials are more widely accepted. Burials are the most widely-accepted option—so you are highly unlikely to offend or bother anyone by choosing burial.
You have a place to visit. Family members and loved ones often derive a great amount of comfort from having a specific place to go to remember the deceased. A headstone or other type of memorial can be extremely important to survivors, especially if it is located in a family plot near others who were close to the deceased.
Deciding which is right for you depends on your preferences and that of the deceased’s other loved ones. It can be a challenge to get a consensus in such a sensitive area, but whichever side you’re on, it’s important to know both the pros and cons of your preferred choice.