Death is inevitable for everyone. Nevertheless, it can still be unsettling to think about, let alone plan for.
When you sit down and think about whether you will one day be buried underground or incinerated once you pass away, it isn’t always easy to decide which one you prefer.
We want to make that decision easier for you. Death can be scary to think about, but knowing more about your options after death can bring you more comfort and ease.
Keep on reading this guide that is all about cremation vs burial, and find out which method is the best option for you.
The Burial Process
The first step of the burial process begins with bathing and cleaning the body to protect funeral staff and visiting family and friends, as well as to give the deceased some dignity and respect.
Embalming will then take place if needed. Embalming means that the body’s blood is replaced with chemical preservatives by the funeral staff. This helps preserve the body after death.
Refrigeration is also another acceptable way to preserve the body if the burial is going to happen right away.
Next, close family or friends of the deceased can choose clothing, mementos, or jewelry for the deceased to wear. Makeup is applied to the face of the body, and the hair is also styled.
After the funeral service, the body is usually transported to a cemetery.
The Benefits of Burial
A traditional burial follows the process of slow and natural decompensation of the body. While burial can be more costly than cremation, it does have a variety of benefits that can make a difference in your end-of-life decisions.
The following benefits include:
- It can give loved ones more closure and provide a gravesite to visit
- The body can be exhumed
- Considered normal for most religions
- The body can be interred in the ground or entombed in a mausoleum
Being placed in a casket or coffin and being able to be buried in the presence of your family and friends at a permanent grave site is the main reason many people choose to be buried.
The Cremation Process
Depending on what state you live in, funeral directors must wait up to 48 hours after death before cremation. Once this time passes, family members can say their goodbyes or conduct a funeral service.
When the cremation occurs, the casket carrying the body is put into a cremation chamber. The chamber heats up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and the cremation process can take up to three hours, depending on the size and weight of the body.
After the cremation is completed, the ashes will be put into the urn chosen by the family. The urn can be placed in the home of a loved one, or an indoor or outdoor mausoleum. The ashes can also be scattered according to the instructions of the deceased.
The Benefits of Cremation
When a body is cremated, it is incinerated to ashes. Cremated remains can be kept by the family, scattered, buried in the ground, or entombed in a columbarium.
A more economical choice than burial, cremation comes with the following benefits:
- It is quicker and more environmentally friendly
- Ashes can be put in an urn and transported
- It is less costly than a burial and requires less planning
Cremation can be a great option for those seeking a cost-effective option that is quick and easy. Being able to put ashes in an urn and keep them wherever is also a big benefit. Finding a guide to choosing cremation urn can also help you find what you are looking to be placed in after you have been cremated.
Cremation vs Burial
The main comparison between cremation and burial comes down to cost. Burial has many more components to it than cremation, resulting in a higher cost.
You should consider the following cost of items when planning to be buried:
- Fee for basic service
- Transportation of the body
- Preparation of the body
- Use of staff and a facility for the viewing and funeral
- Grave plot or burial vault
- A casket
- A headstone
While being buried can require more planning and costs, this might be the right choice for those wanting a traditional funeral and a permanent grave site for friends and family to be able to visit.
On the other hand, cremation offers a less expensive funeral process and can be easier to plan for.
You should consider the following cost of items when planning to be cremated:
- Urn
- Cremation
- Casket Rental
- Transportation of the body
- Preparation of the body
Being cremated is an option many people are choosing today, as recently reported by the Funeral and Memorial Information Council. The report states that 65% of Americans were definitely or likely to choose being cremated.
Paying for a funeral can be stressful, and can often have various costs associated with it. Planning ahead for your funeral and knowing what will need to be paid for can save time, money, and stress.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Now that you know more about cremation vs burial, you can have an easier time deciding which option is best for you!
Making end-of-life decisions is never easy, but you can relieve some stress by planning ahead and knowing more about your options. Both cremation and traditional burial offer benefits to the deceased and their family. It all comes down to what works best for your price range, religious beliefs, and where you would like to be laid to rest.
Want to learn more about preparing for the future and beyond? Click here to learn more about preparing a will before death, which is another important decision to make that can affect lives even after you are gone.
