Cremation vs Burial - How To Decide Which is Best

There are many difficult decisions to make when it comes to the death of a loved one. For a lot of these, there is no right or wrong answer; only what you feel is best. One of these choices is how to decide between cremation or burial. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to your ultimate choice. We aim to give you a solid idea about what choice suits you and how best to go about your decision.

Cremation

Many people have family or religious traditions, but for those who don't feel quite as strongly about one or the other it can be a tough choice. For one, there is no physical body to show during the actual service. The cremation is performed ahead of time and place in an urn that is presented to the family. You can display the urn at your service in the same manner that you would a casket with the same effect.

Burial

Burials, on the other hand, allow the family to keep their loved ones intact and preserved. After the embalming process has been completed, the body is placed in a casket and prepared for service. Many people prefer this approach as it is a way to remain connected to the physical body long after the soul has taken its leave. It also allows friends and family to say one last goodbye in person whether you opt for an open casket service or not. The sentimental touch and ceremony of presenting a casket and lowing your loved ones slowly to their resting place is a driving factor with regard to this choice.

Key Differences

While not traditionally popular in the Western world, cremation is becoming a more popular choice these days. Burial has traditionally been preferred in the Western world based on our traditional religious beliefs. With more people paying less attention to traditional burial values, opting to add a more personal touch in many cases, cremation is being chosen more and more often. Furthermore, burials do have a number of costs associated with them, some of which can be somewhat expensive. When you add up the cost of all activities and services your average burial costs around $10,000. In addition to this you are confined to a specific bural plot that must be chosen and reserved ahead of time.

If the cost and time that goes into a burial is not for you, or you prefer to keep your loved ones ashes or disperse them somewhere special to them, cremation is for you. Cremation is much cheaper than a burial and the urn is much less onerous to transport. If, for example, your loved one enjoyed afternoons at a nearby lake or stream, dispersing their ashes at that spot or burying them would be quite poignant.

Making Your Choice

Whatever choice you make, knowing the options available is an important first step. We hope that you are now better able to make your choice. If you have any further questions, please do not hesistate to get in touch with us here at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.