Burial or Cremation – Things You Need to Know

funeral service

Whether organizing a loved one’s final arrangement or preplanning your own, the decision to bury or cremate is ultimately a deeply personal one; and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

It’s important to note when planning funeral services – be it an indoor or outside funeral, there is neither right nor wrong way to go about doing it. There are, however, a few factors that need to be considered when choosing between the two.

Cremation or burial

There are major differences between a cremation or a burial. With a cremation, the body is incinerated to render the remains into ashes. With a burial, the body is intact. Both the options can be considered after a viewing, traditional prayer or funeral service, or before a memorial service. 

With a burial, the body may be entombed in a mausoleum or interred in the ground. In a cremation, the remains may be buried, scattered, kept by the family, or entombed in a cinerarium or columbarium.

Costs

As the available space in cemeteries continues to be filled, the cost for burials has risen over the past few years. The average cost of burial services in Australia is a little under $20,000 including the burial plot and the headstone. Cardboard coffins may prove to be economically viable for those on a tighter budget.

Cremation with a funeral service, on average, may cost a little less than half of what a burial would cost, which is more affordable for many. There is also an option to cremate without a service or a direct cremation which can cost considerably less depending on where in Australia you reside. 

Religious considerations

Certain religions prohibit cremation. You may want to consider if the religion you follow permits cremation.

The environment

Traditionally, cremation has been looked upon as better for the environment. However, it is worth noting that cremation creates about 160kgs of carbon dioxide which is considerably higher than a burial. But cemeteries need to be maintained, fertilized, and watered for as long as they exist. So they have a greater carbon footprint. 

For the environmentally conscious, there is the option of having a natural burial. A natural burial uses no embalming fluid or burial vault. The body of the deceased is placed directly into the ground to allow for natural decomposition.  

The bodies may be buried in a biodegradable casket or a cardboard coffin or wrapped in a burial shroud. A natural burial does not use any heavy machinery as the gravesite is dug by hand. 

The decision to opt for a funeral or a cremation is a personal and intimate one; and it’s always worth considering your options by talking to either family and friends, or a funeral professional for assistance.

 

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