When it comes to the cost of burying or cremating a loved one, there are many factors to consider. Cremation is often less expensive than burial, but there are many additional costs associated with cost of cremation that must be taken into account.
The last thing most people want to worry about when they lose a loved one is the cost of their funeral. But it’s important to be aware of the different costs associated with cremation and burial so that you can make the best decision for your family.
Here are some of the main factors to consider when deciding whether to bury or cremate a loved one: The Will of the Deceased Person
Every family is different, and the wishes of the deceased person should be taken into account when making this decision. If the deceased person made it clear that they wanted to be cremated, then that’s what should happen. If they didn’t express a preference, then the decision falls to the family. For this reason, it is important to discuss the issue of death and preferred choice of post death disposition ahead of time. It makes things much easier on family and loved ones if one’s desires are well known ahead of time.
For example, if the deceased person has requested that their body be donated to science, or be cremated and the ashes scattered, it is likely that the funeral expenses will be lower. Or if the beloved one, expressed a wish not to have many people attending their funeral, you might want to consider livestream funeral.
The Cost of Cremation vs Burial
Burial can be more expensive if you choose a casket, cemetery plot, and headstone or grave marker, while cremation usually only requires the purchase of a cremation urn. However, there are additional costs to consider with a cremation. For example, you will need to pay for the cost of transportation and cremation services.
Cremation is generally less expensive than burial, but there are many additional costs associated with cremation that must be taken into accounts, such as the cost of the urn, the cost of cremating the body, and transportation costs. On the other hand, the cost of burial can be expensive, especially if you need to purchase a cemetery plot and/or hire a funeral home.
With cremation, memorial services can be held either at the funeral home or at a location of your choosing. With burial, services are generally held at the funeral home. If you choose to have a memorial service, the cost of hiring a facility, catering, and other associated expenses will likely be less with cremation than with a burial.
The Location of the Funeral
When the funeral is to take place in a rural area, it may be more expensive than if it were to take place in a city. This is because the cost of transporting the body and other associated costs is typically higher in rural areas, therefore increasing the overall cost of the funeral. However, if you choose to have the memorial service in a rural area, it may be more affordable than having it in a city.
The Burial Plot
The price of a burial plot can vary significantly depending on the location. In some cases, a family may need to purchase multiple plots in order to bury all of their loved ones. If you choose cremation, you may be able to choose an urn that can be kept at home or scattered in a place that is special to you where there are no requirements for a gravestone or marker, which can save you money.
The Choice of Casket or Urn
Caskets and urns can be quite expensive, and the type of casket or urn you choose will affect the overall cost of the funeral. For example, a wooden casket may be more expensive than a metal casket. If the funeral is to take place in a crematorium, you will not need to purchase a casket, rather the ashes will be placed in an urn. Overall, the cost of a cremation urn is many times less than that of a casket. A burial casket often times costs a few thousand dollars, whereas urns are more normally priced in the hundreds.
The Type of Service
A traditional burial ceremony will generally be more expensive than a cremation ceremony. This is because a burial typically requires the services of a funeral home, whereas a cremation can often be arranged through a crematorium or other provider.
Conclusion
The cost of cremation is cheaper than the cost of burial. However, it is important to factor in all of the associated costs when deciding which option is best for you. Talk to funeral directors and other professionals in the industry to learn more about the cost of burial and cremation and what your options are.