Cremation vs. Burial: A Comprehensive Guide to Making the Right Choice for Your Loved One
When faced with the loss of a loved one, deciding between cremation and burial represents one of the most significant choices you'll need to make during an already difficult time. At Farrington Mortuary, we understand that this decision involves careful consideration of personal values, family traditions, religious beliefs, and practical matters.
Understanding Your Options
Traditional Burial
Traditional burial has been practiced for centuries across cultures and religions. This process typically involves:
Preservation of the body through embalming (optional)
Selection of a casket or burial container
A burial plot or mausoleum space
A grave marker, headstone, or monument
Often includes a viewing or visitation and funeral service
Many families choose burial because it aligns with their religious traditions, offers a permanent memorial site for future generations, and provides a tangible location for remembrance and reflection.
Cremation
Cremation has grown significantly in popularity in recent years. This process involves:
Reducing the body to bone fragments through high heat (1400-1800 degrees Fahrenheit)
Processing the remains into a fine, sand-like consistency
Placing the cremated remains in an urn or other container
Options for keeping, burying, scattering, or dividing the remains
Families often select cremation for its flexibility, affordability, and environmental considerations. Cremation also offers numerous options for memorialization, from keeping remains at home to creating keepsake jewelry or scattering ashes in a meaningful location.
Key Factors to Consider
Personal Wishes
The most important consideration is often what your loved one wanted. If they expressed clear preferences during their lifetime, honoring these wishes can provide comfort and guidance. If they didn't specify their wishes, consider what would have aligned with their values and beliefs.
Religious and Cultural Traditions
Different religions and cultures have varying perspectives on end-of-life practices:
Christianity: Both burial and cremation are widely accepted among most denominations
Judaism: Traditionally favors burial, though some Reform communities accept cremation
Islam: Generally prescribes burial and prohibits cremation
Hinduism: Traditionally prefers cremation as part of spiritual beliefs
Buddhism: Accepts both practices, with cremation being common
At Farrington Mortuary, we respect and accommodate diverse cultural and religious traditions, offering specialized services including Hindu ceremonial cremation, Islamic/Muslim burial, and Buddhist cremation.
Environmental Impact
For environmentally conscious families, this factor may heavily influence their decision:
Traditional Burial Considerations:
Uses land resources
May involve embalming chemicals
Requires caskets often made of hardwoods or metals
Green burial options are available that minimize environmental impact
Cremation Considerations:
Produces carbon emissions during the process
More land-efficient than traditional burial
Water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) offers a greener alternative
Natural options like human composting (Terramation) provide the most eco-friendly approach
Farrington Mortuary proudly offers multiple eco-friendly options, including natural burial, water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis), and Terramation services for those prioritizing environmental considerations.
Cost Factors
Budget constraints often play a practical role in this decision:
Traditional Burial Costs:
Typically higher overall cost
Includes casket, burial plot, grave marker, and often embalming
Cemetery requires perpetual maintenance fees
Average range: $7,000-$12,000+
Cremation Costs:
Generally more affordable
Direct cremation offers the most economical option
Memorial services can be held separately at varying price points
Average range: $2,000-$5,000
Our transparent pricing structure at Farrington Mortuary ensures you understand all costs upfront, with no hidden fees or upselling pressure.
Location and Family Considerations
Other practical elements to consider include:
Geographic distance between family members
Future relocation plans
Desire for a permanent memorial site
Flexibility in planning memorial gatherings
Cremation offers more flexibility when families are geographically dispersed, while burial provides a permanent location for remembrance.
Creating Meaningful Memorialization
Regardless of which option you choose, finding meaningful ways to honor your loved one remains paramount:
For Burial:
Personalized headstones or monuments
Memorial plantings near the gravesite
Regular visitation rituals on special dates
Family gathering spaces within cemeteries
For Cremation:
Custom urns reflecting your loved one's personality
Memory gardens where remains can be scattered
Dividing ashes among family members
Transforming ashes into memorial items like jewelry or art
Making Your Decision
At Farrington Mortuary, we believe there is no single ""right"" answer for everyone. The best choice honors your loved one's wishes while bringing peace and closure to those left behind. We recommend:
Having family discussions before a death occurs whenever possible
Documenting preferences through pre-planning
Consulting with experienced professionals about available options
Considering both emotional and practical factors
Giving yourself permission to choose what feels most appropriate
Our Compassionate Guidance
As a family-owned funeral home, Farrington Mortuary brings a personal touch to this important decision. Our contemporary approach emphasizes transparency, affordability, and personalized service. We walk alongside you throughout the entire process, from initial arrangements to the final farewell.
Whether you choose cremation, burial, or one of our specialized services like natural burial or Terramation, we ensure each step reflects the individuality of your loved one and provides meaningful comfort during a difficult time.
For personalized guidance on cremation, burial, or other end-of-life options, please call us at (800) 674-3659. We're available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind.