Many people these days are not leaving their funeral plans to the hands of their family and friends. Instead, they are actively making plans for when they exit this world. For such people or family and friends tasked with the responsibility of burying their loved ones, there are faced with two main options: cremation or burial.
Although the idea of cremation was not prevalent in the past as many folks buried their dead. These days, the narrative is changing as many are beginning to prefer cremation rather than burial. According to the Funeral and Memorial Information Council, 65% of the American population was reported to prefer being cremated rather than being buried.
Still, the question persists; “which one is better for you?” That question cannot be answered in isolation as many factors such as personal beliefs, budget, religion, etc. will always come into play. Hence, this article will reveal the pros and cons of these funeral options. This will also help you in making up your mind on which is best for you or your loved one.
Cost Comparison
Before we check out the pros and cons of both types of funerals, we need to consider and compare the cost for both.
One of the reasons most people go with cremation these days is because they believe it is the cheaper option. Although this is true to a large extent, extra options could cause the cost to increase greatly to the point of being equal to or greater than burial costs.
So, to vividly compare both, we have given a short analysis of the costs of both funeral procedures. After the basic burial’s costs, we then include the extra costs that could come into play. Please note that the costs below are an estimate based on market data gathered but are not final or all-encompassing but an estimate.
Burial
Basic Burial Costs
1. Basic fee – $2000
2. Body transportation to the morgue -$300
3. Body preparation – $200
4. Embalming – $700
5. Granite Headstone in Lebanon Ohio – $1500
6. Transportation car of flowers as well as other items – $130
7. Staff and the Facility usage – $900
8. Hearse – $300
9. Memorial print set which includes memorial directories, acknowledgment cards, registration book – $150
Total Basic Cost = $4480
Added Burial Costs
1. Grave space – $1000
2. Burial vault – $1300
3. Fee for opening and closing – $1200
4. Metal Casket – $1000 to $15000
5. Headstone – $1500
Total Added Burial Cost = $6000
Added Cremation Costs
If you then decide to go with cremation before the added burial costs, here is the breakdown…
1. Rental of the casket – $1000
2. Urn – $250
3. Cremation – $30
Total Added Cremation Costs = $1280
Therefore, if you choose to cremate after the initial basic costs of $4480, you will save $4720 which might have been more if you paid for the added burial costs. Click here to watch how cremation is done.
Direct Cremation
While you cremate the body after all the above excluding the additional burial process, cremation can be done directly and immediately without any of the above. This option will help you save a whole lot more.
In this process, a crematorium is contacted directly which cuts the cost that would have been spent for a funeral house. Then, the body is cremated using a cardboard container. No need for memorial service or embalming because there will not be any wake, viewing, or service.
Direct Cremation Cost
The cost of this process could be as little as $700 and won’t exceed $2000. The variation depends on the state and the crematorium handling the procedure. And if you’ll be hiring a funeral director, ensure you don’t get ripped off.
Dealing with the Crematorium
In some states, the body can be transported to the crematorium yourself. But ensure you get the death certificate as well as transit permit first. On the other hand, some states require a funeral director to handle these tasks.
Cremation: Pros and Cons
Pros
1. A service or burial can still be held before the body is cremated or after it is cremated.
2. It is generally less expensive provided one is not talked into making unnecessary expenses.
3. It is faster. It allows you to get over the whole funeral process quicker.
4. It is friendlier to the environment. All that remains, in the end, are the ashes.
5. Uses less land. Cemetery overcrowding will reduce if more people get cremated.
6. It is a portable and easy means of transporting the remains.
7. Decision on the actions to take concerning the remains can be decided upon later after the period of mourning.
Cons
1. Might be contrary to the deceased’s personal belief or religion.
2. It is permanent as there isn’t any chance for exhumation in the future.
3. It makes it difficult for one to mourn. Visit eternalcremations.org to learn more about every cremation service available for you.
Burial: Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Offers loved ones a place (gravesite) to visit.
2. Many consider it to be a natural funeral process than cremation.
3. Some religions require it.
4. Exhumation can be done in the future.
5. It allows loved ones to get closure.
Cons
1. More expensive.
2. Loved ones far away may not be able to visit the gravesite.
3. Certain cemeteries may have restrictions like taking pictures, visiting hours, leaving flowers, etc. that might not be okay with loved ones.
Conclusion
The above are the pros and cons of cremation and burial. Which do you think is the better option? Would you like to be cremated or buried?