Cremation vs Burial: Which is Right For You?

None of us likes to think about death, yet many would agree that it makes sense to consider essential considerations and preparations during our lives to take the burden off loved ones when the time comes. Decisions to be made will vary for every individual, from what you would like mourners to wear, whether flowers are welcome or donations are preferred, to the bigger decisions such as choosing between cremation and burial.

Funeral plans are an excellent way of ensuring all those decisions have been made and will be adhered to plus, of course, you will have paid the funeral costs rather than leaving the onus to your loved ones.

What happens to your body when you pass will be at the heart of your funeral plan will be the key question of, and various personal factors from cost to religious belief will influence this choice. Use this guide to explore the differences between cremation and a burial so you can make an informed decision that’s comfortable for you and your family.

Understanding the Processes

Burial
Traditional in many religions and cultures but increasingly less popular than cremation in the UK, burial involves resting the body in a coffin and interring it in the earth or underground spaces such as mausoleums. This creates a sense of continuity for going into another life and ensures a space where loved ones can visit in remembrance.

Cremation
Cremation is the process of reducing the body to ashes. Within this, you have the choice of unattended direct cremations or cremations that take place as part of a funeral service. Your ashes can be kept in a significant spot such as a memorial garden, scattered in a favourite place or stored in an urn to be looked after by loved ones. Cremations can help provide a sense of closure for your family and friends.

Factors to Consider

When choosing between cremation and burial, for most people these are the three main factors to consider.

1. Cost
According to recent data from SunLife, a UK burial costs over £5,000 on average while a standard UK cremation is between £3,500 – £4,000. A direct cremation – which doesn’t include a service and where no mourners can be present – is the most cost-effective option, coming in at around £1,500.

2. Cultural Beliefs
Different cultures have diverging attitudes about how the body should be treated after death, and our diverse population includes people of all religions and atheists with no religious beliefs. Only you will know your beliefs and which method feels right for you.

Christianity is the most significant religion in the UK, but this no longer applies to all and even within this there are conflicting views. Roman Catholicism champions burial due to a belief in a future resurrection while Protestants have a distinction between body and soul and therefore don’t challenge wishes to be cremated.

3. Environmental Impact
With sustainability an ever-growing concern across the globe, environmental impact has become a major consideration in funeral arrangements. Greener methods are being explored such as water cremation and composting, but it could be years before these processes become mainstream options in the UK.

The main environmental impact of cremations is the release of CO2 into the atmosphere, along with other toxic emissions from things such as prosthetics and mercury fillings.

For burials, the main concerns are toxins seeping into the soil over time and scarce space, especially in built-up areas.

We hope this guide helps when choosing between cremation and burial.