Cremation vs. Burial… How to Decide Which is Best

One of the questions that people ask the staff of Wagg Funeral Home is whether they should opt for a cremation or burial service for their loved one. People often choose cremation over burial because it is much cheaper.

Cremation is the least expensive because you don’t need to pay costs connected with the funeral service or visitation. Plus, you don’t need to buy a plot in a cemetery to bury your deceased loved one. However, it is still the choice of the individual or family members whether they opt for a burial or cremation service. Family members must consider the deceased feelings, beliefs, and final wishes.

Cultural and religious beliefs play a vital role in deciding between cremation and burial service. Most religions today accept the cremation process except for Eastern Orthodox Church, Islam, and Orthodox Judaism. Cremation has been practiced in Hinduism for centuries. For Hindus, they believe that it helps the soul go forward on its journey to the next world. For Christians, burial symbolises the burial and resurrection of Christ.

In today’s world, the more practical choice is cremation. Due to the fast industrialisation of the planet, more land is required. There are also concerns about public hygiene because corpses are buried a couple of feet below the surface of the earth. And with the advancement of technology, modern cremation equipment can reduce the body to its basic elements faster than before. However, environmentalists are concerned about the greenhouse gas emissions during a cremation service. 

Difference between Cremation and Burial Service

A cremation reduces the body of the deceased to ashes within a couple of hours, while the body goes through the slow process of natural decomposition in a burial. There are some people who believe that the body should be allowed to decompose in a natural manner and consider cremation as something that makes the process faster. However, there are others who believe that cremation represents reverence.

Direct cremation service is more cost effective compared to a burial service because the former doesn’t require embalming. Plus, you have the option of keeping the body in another container instead of the usual casket.

As people travel far from their family roots, a cremation service offers a flexible way of demoralisation. The cremated can be placed in an urn and displayed on the mantle at home; displayed on a shelf; scattered over land, air or water; or placed in a columbarium. Some people bury the urn in a burial plot that is smaller than one used in a burial service.

But keep in mind that cremation is irreversible. You should think about it first before deciding between a cremation service and a burial service. If you have any more questions about the two services, we at Wagg Funeral Home will be more than happy to answer your questions. Contact us today, and we will respond as soon as possible.