Why Choose Cremation vs. Burial

There are a number of reasons to choose cremation vs. burial. Take a look at the reasons below:

- Cost

Cost is probably the biggest reason why people choose cremation instead of burial. Cremation usually costs 40-50% less than burial. The greatest cost savings for cremation is the need to not purchase a headstone and casket.

- Simplicity and Flexibility

Cremation cuts out the requirement of a traditional burial ceremony that includes a casket, visitation, pall bearers, etc. A memorial service or celebration of life can happen weeks to even months after the death has taken place which is conducive to cremation because the family can retain their loved one’s remains. Furthermore, memorial services and celebrations of life give you a lot of flexibility to make them anything you want. Cremation also gives you the flexibility of scattering a loved one’s ashes in multiple locations as opposed to burial which can only happen at a cemetery.

park scattering ashes why cremation

- Environmental Concerns

Cremation is considered a more “green option” than burial. Burial uses land space, involves heavy doses of chemicals when the body is embalmed, and has been heavily criticized for water pollution. Although cremation releases carbon emissions into the atmosphere, the improvement in equipment is lessening the impact of these emissions.

- Cemetery Availability

Plot spaces at cemeteries are becoming fleeting and more expensive.