Cremation or Burial?

Death is a difficult subject to talk about. Many people don't discuss their funeral with their loved ones for fear of an uncomfortable conversation. However, this can lead to confusion over funeral plans and what that person would have wanted after their death.

If you are looking to organise your funeral, one of the main questions you'll have to answer is whether you'll want a burial or cremation?

Which is cheaper a burial or cremation?

Cost for both cremations and burials vary across the UK. Usually, the cost of a cremation is less than a burial. In the UK, the average basic cremation costs £3,858, whereas the average basic burial costs £4,975*. This is because there are more costs involved in a burial. Unlike a cremation, with a burial, you need to factor in the price of burial charges, the cost of the plot, and the price of a memorial or headstone.

Which type of funeral is more eco-friendly?

Unfortunately, both traditional cremations and burials have some negative effects on the environment. Cremations can emit a large amount of greenhouse gasses and also require energy to be used as part of the cremation itself. In the process of burials, where embalming chemicals are used, this ultimately moves into the soil over time.

However, if protecting the environment is important to yourself or the deceased, there are greener alternatives. For example, a green burial site, or a natural burial ground, using no embalming chemicals and a biodegradable coffin. Some pre-paid funeral plan providers offer these options, so it's worth discussing with your consultant before securing your plan.

What are the pros and cons of them both?

Cremation

Pros

• A basic cremation is less expensive than a basic burial on average.
• Cremation services can be personalised. These can be religious or non-religious, held at the crematorium chapel or at your own place of worship.
• If you have a cremation you have options on where you choose to scatter the ashes, at a place special to the deceased or keep them in a loved one's home.
• If you were to move, Ashes can be transported easily and taken with you.

Cons

• You may not have a local crematorium. Meaning it could be a struggle for many to get to.
• Different religions have different perspectives on funerals. Cremation is not accepted by all faiths.
• A cremation is a permanent decision and cannot be exhumed in the future.

Burial

Pros

• A burial can be personalised. These can be religious or non-religious, held at the cemetery chapel or at your own place of worship.
• More Eco-friendly options are possible, such as a natural woodland burial with a biodegradable coffin.
• Allows for a physical place for loved ones to visit, this can be marked with a headstone or a natural memorial.
• Burial is accepted in many religions.

Cons

• A basic burial is more expensive on average than a basic cremation.
• If loved ones were to move away, it can be very costly and challenging to move a burial site.
• Cemeteries may have rules and regulations which may be restricting.

With a pre-paid funeral plan, you can relax knowing your arrangements are in place and your farewell will be carried out the way you wanted. Click here for your Free funeral plan quote.