Probably it is the biggest decision you’ll make when it comes to making funeral plans.
And what’s the great thing about burial or cremation?
Well the truth is, the answer is no easy one.
Both have their pro’s and con’s that we are going to explore in depth.
The decision will be that which is right for you and your family.
And that’s going to be based on your schedule, moral values, faith, among other stuff.
Take the time and run over any of these important pro’s and con’s, if you’re not sure yet.
Cremation & Estimates of burials
No doubt cremation is on the rise. The average has risen from 48.6 in 2015 and is expected to increase to 54.3 by 2020, according to the North America Cremation Association (CANA).
A new survey commissioned by the Funeral and Memorial Information Council (FAMIC) by Harris Poll revealed that 65 per cent of Americans were certainly or probable to want to be cremated.
These statistics show that the decision to be cremated versus buried is nearly half at this time, but appears to be leaning towards the latter in the future.
Burial Vs Cremation: Comparison of the costs
People frequently choose cremation because they perceive it as cheaper than burial.
While this is mostly true, additional options can often raise the total cost of cremation to just as much and sometimes more than a basic burial.
Here is a description of the average costs associated with each, starting with the standard costs and then with the additional solutions which might be available
Fee for a basic service – $2000
Transportation of the body to the funeral home – $300
Preparation of the body – $200
Embalming – $700
Car for the transportation of flowers and other belongings – $130
Use of the staff and facility for the viewing and funeral – $900
Hearse – $300
Memorial print package such as memorial directories, registration book, acknowledgement cards – $150
Additional Burial Costs:
- Grave plot- $1000
- Burial vault – $1300
- Opening and closing fee – $1200
- Casket (metal) – $1000 – $15000
- Headstone – $1500
Additional Cremation Costs:
- Casket rental – $1000
- Urn – $250
- Cremation – $30
Direct Loading:
There is another cheap cremation option, if the previous costs are not affordable. Below is a description of the entries:
The body is instantly cremated upon death. You’ll engage in crematory services, bypassing a funeral home’s expense.
The body should be cremated into a single tub of cardboard.
No memorial service is held.
No embalming or other body arrangements are needed as there is no operation, watching, or wake-up.
Cremation Pro’s & Con’s & Burial Cons
Cremation Benefits:
You can also have a burial and funeral service before or after
It is less expensive than funeral, but a lot of people are spoken about paying more than expected.
It gets faster. Making those decisions can be a complicated and time-consuming process , particularly during your loss time.
This is also considered more environmentally conscious. Burial is a cause of toxins to the atmosphere from the casket.
Takes up less land and contributes the overcrowded cemeteries epidemic.
It is compact, so that it can hold ashes. You should put the ashes in an urn or other jar and if you pass, take them with you.
Since the body is cremated, relatives have some time to determine what to do with the remains. Scattering ashes, interment, cremation jewellery, cremation stones, and cremation sculpture are only a few suggestions.
Inconvenience of Cremation:
Can be against the faith of the deceased, or of a family member.
The ruling is final and can not be exhumed at a later date.
Even make it difficult for loved ones to mourn.
Our cremation job guide runs over everything you need to know about the process should you want to know more.
To all the families that have supported my father, Jim, throughout his 45 years as a funeral director, I hope you will continue to let me serve you moving forward.