Important considerations about Cremation versus Burial. How to make your decision

 

Which is better, Cremation or Burial? Well, there is no easy answer. In fact, the right answer will depend on who is asking. The unique benefits of each method will appeal to some and not others. 

 

So how do you make your decision? 

 

Well, you’ve made the first step. Reading this article will make you informed about the pros and cons of both options and help you make the right decision for you and your family. The right decision for you will be based on your religion, budget, personal beliefs and future plans. 

 

Cremation & Burial Statistics

 

So what are people doing, Cremation or Burial? Let’s look at some statistics. The Cremation rate in Canada from 2000 to 2020 with forecast to 2023 has/will climb from 47.7% to 76.9% according to statistica.com. It’s quite likely that as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, the year of this article 2020 will have an even larger result of cremations than the forecast. In comparison, the United States recorded a cremation rate of 51.6% in 2017. Other US based cremation statistics plus an informative graphic can be found on the CANA Industry statistics report. 

 

Cost of Cremation versus Burial

 

Typically Cremations are cheaper than Burials. As with anything, the extent of how much cheaper varies on which cremation options you choose versus which burial options. Choosing the most expensive options in either case can change the cost from a base simple service to an expensive and extravagant affair. 

 

For the most affordable cremations, contact us and discuss what your best options are.  

 

For burials, there are also a variety of options for caskets, headstones, plot locations, memorial packages and flowers/decor. All of these are options where you can ensure you save money and stay within your budget. 

 

Also, remember that cremations in Canada may be eligible for the Canadian Death Benefit fund if the deceased was a CPP contributor. This will certainly help with making the cremation/burial more affordable. 

 

So now you understand how you can minimise costs. It’s not always about costs of course. Sometimes, its personal taste or tradition. Whichever motivates you, it is helpful to know the pros and cons of cremation versus burial. 

 

Benefits of Cremation

 

  1. The most obvious benefit of cremation is the ease of transportation following the cremation. Once in the Urn, ashes can be easily transported internationally if needed.
  2. Unlike burial, cremation provides you with almost unlimited options of what to do with the deceased’s remains. 
  3. Once cremated, families have more time to discuss and decide on what to do with ashes. 
  4. It can be much quicker and convenient than a burial due to less logistics and people involved so if speed and convenience is necessary, cremation may be best for you
  5. A crematorium has a space for a funeral service so you retain the option without the added expense of the burial. 
  6. Many consider cremation to be more environmentally friendly due to the lack of using a plot and putting contaminants, such as the casket and embalming fluid, in the ground.
  7. As mentioned above, cremation is typically cheaper than burial. 

 

Disadvantages of Cremation

 

  1. May conflict with religious beliefs
  2. Permanent choice and cannot be undone e.g. body exhumed at a future date
  3. Some people prefer to have a permanent location to return to for visitation. This depends on how ashes are disposed of. 
burial of a coffin

Benefits of Burial

 

  1. Provides a permanent place for family to visit
  2. Accommodates the necessity for some religions
  3. Provides the option for exhuming the body in the future if necessary

 

Disadvantages of Burial

 

  1. Typically much more expensive than cremation
  2. Cannot be moved if loved one move away
  3. Ongoing maintenance and refreshing decoration can mean ongoing expense
  4. May make loved ones feel obligated to visit frequently

How do you decide between cremation and burial?

 

Considering all of the details outlined above, you should be able to prioritise which aspects are important to you and your family. This will help you make the right decision. If you are planning your own service, you can decide which you prefer and make it known to your loved ones. You can talk to us about pre-planning your cremation if that’s what you decide.

 

For any further questions about cremations versus burials, contact us and we’d be happy to answer them.