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Choosing between a cremation and a burial is a very personal decision to make. Cremation can be done in many ways, even in conjunction with burial.

What are the differences between the two, however? And how will you know which one will will make for the best choice for your deceased?

When our loved ones pass, the times ahead are always darker. With heavy hearts, families must plan funerals, find cemetery plots, and make various decisions. Among these is whether the deceased is to be buried or cremated. Here are some factors to consider with burial vs cremation.

Benefits of Cremation

Cremation can be therapeutic. Instead of burying the deceased, families can keep their loved one’s remains, even if they move away.

It is also much less expensive, should a family decide not to have a funeral. Since costs for headstones, caskets, and cemetery plots will not be a factor, the overall cost is driven down.

Cremation is also viewed as more environmentally friendly, since the land that would be used for a cemetery plot is not disturbed.

Instead of funerals, memorial services can serve as a way to remember our passed loved ones.

And keep in mind, burials can still take place. Many families decide they still want to bury the cremains of their deceased. This also comes with the choice of whether or not to have a funeral.

Choice of the Deceased

The first thing to consider is the deceased. What would they have wanted? Give some real thought to it, and try to take yourself out of the equation. It is important to know these things while they are alive, so that planning their funeral can become all the easier.

Choice of the Family

Sometimes, the deceased will pass without leaving a discernable set of burial wishes. When it is the family's choice to decide on burial vs cremation, there must also be a decision of how and when the cremation takes place. For some, cremations can be done after a funeral service if the family wants to have an open casket. It depends on whether the family wants a private or public showing.

Religious Concerns

Usually due to different ethnic and religious backgrounds, people have not opted for cremation as a way to say goodbye to their loved ones. However, relatively recently, certain religious authorities like the Roman Catholic church have rescinded their ban of cremation as a practice.

The end of bans like these is the reason cremations around the United States have been increasing gradually.

Benefits of Burial

Burials are, for the most part, preferred in nearly every religion. Although they do cost more than cremation, burials provide more options. Religious factions are more likely to be involved, even though most religious authorities have rescinded their bans on cremation. Furthermore, religious rules can still prohibit certain acts that go along with cremation, like scattering of the cremains which is not allowed in the Catholic Church.

With cremation becoming more accessible, more affordable, and more convenient, it is no wonder more people are leaning into it.

Families can enshrine their loved one’s cremains as a method of memorial, or keep it traditional with funeral services and burials, all with the help of cremation. And, with the help of Dale Woodward Cremation and Funeral Services, you can ensure the honor of your loved ones will be preserved. Visit our website today for more information on how we can help you get through these rough times.