The passing of a loved one is stressful and emotional, particularly if that passing was sudden. On top of dealing with the loss and grief, now funeral arrangements need to be made. One thing to decide is whether a loved one should be cremated or buried? Which is the best option and how do you decide which option to take?
In this article, we’ll take a look at cremation versus burial, to help you decide which is the best option for you.
Did the Loved One Have a Preference?
Sometimes people discuss with those close to them how they want their funeral to be. This is especially the case with the elderly or someone who has been living with a terminal condition for some time.
If the person who has passed away highlighted their preference for either cremation or burial, it’s important that those wishes are upheld. So, if a loved one said they want to be buried when they are gone, their wishes should be respected and honored. If there was never any mention of this, then it’ll be up to those arranging the funeral to decide.
Religion Can Play a Role
The subject of religion can sometimes play a role in whether an individual is either cremated or buried. Certain religions frown upon cremation, as it’s said to be the desecration of the human form, and demand that those who have passed on be buried. Other religions believe the opposite, and that cremation is the only way to go.
Did the loved one belong to a particular religion and if so, what is this religion’s views regarding burial or cremation?
Burial Is Often More Expensive
The decision could ultimately come down to a financial one. Sometimes, cremation is chosen over burial as it’s generally a cheaper process. If money for the funeral is scarce, then there might not be any choice but to have a loved one cremated instead of buried.
There is more involved in performing a burial ceremony and this is why the cost of burial is higher than having a body cremated.
If finances for the service are an issue, then cremation might be the logical option if religion and the person’s wishes are not part of the equation.
Did They Pass From An Infectious Disease?
If an individual passed due to an infectious disease, it might be the recommendation that the body is cremated rather than buried. The reason being would be to prevent the further spread of the disease. Some diseases can remain active inside the body even after the person has passed away and the most sure-fire way to be certain that disease can’t harm others is to cremate the body.
With Cremation, You Have More Options To Lay a Loved One To Rest
If you decide to bury a loved one, you are limited when it comes to choices for your loved one’s final resting place. In most areas of Australia, it’s required that the body be buried in a designated cemetery. Plots in cemeteries are limited and certain locations within the cemetery are more expensive than others.
With cremation services, not only is the process more cost-effective, after the cremation has taken place and you’ve received the urn with the loved one’s ashes inside, you have numerous choices of where you can lay the person to rest.
You could have them buried as a tree in a memorial garden, for example, so they continue to live on through that tree. You could keep the urn with you at home and create a memorial somewhere within your house or out in the yard. Often, people’s ashes are scattered on the ocean, in a park, or somewhere that the loved one used to frequent when they were alive.
You have so many options of where you can lay your loved one to rest when you choose cremation over burial.
The Wrap
There are pros and cons to each process when it comes to cremation versus burial and often it really just comes down to either finances or a personal preference. Overall, there are more advantages to cremation and you will have countless options for your loved one’s final resting place, wherever that may be.
