Burial or Cremation?
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Choosing between cremation and burial is a very personal decision. Sometimes the person who has died will have made their wishes known, while in other cases the decision is left to family members. There is no right or wrong choice.
The most important thing is choosing the option that best reflects the wishes, beliefs and values of the person who has died and those closest to them.
Cremation
Families can choose whether to have a funeral service before the cremation, a direct cremation without a service, or a memorial service at a later date.
- Will often costs less than a burial
- Cremated remains can be kept, buried, or scattered in a meaningful place.
Burial
Burial involves laying the person to rest in a cemetery, churchyard or natural burial ground. A funeral service is often held before the burial, although the exact arrangements can vary.
- Provides a permanent resting place for family and friends to visit.
- May be preferred for religious, cultural, or personal reasons.
Things to consider when choosing
- A burial is often more expensive due to cemetery fees and the purchase of a grave.
- The availability of new graves varies between cemeteries, and some locations may have limited or no plots available.
- Some cemeteries have ongoing maintenance or memorial fees, depending on their regulations.
Questions to ask yourself
- Did your loved one leave any funeral wishes?
- Are there any religious or cultural traditions to consider?
- Would family members like a permanent place to visit?
- Is cost an important factor?