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Cremation Or Burial? Which One Is Right For Your Loved One

Deciding whether to be buried or cremated isn’t something most of us like to think about, which means it could be left to our loved ones to decide. However, a recent survey found that for 34% of people the biggest concern would be whether the deceased would have preferred cremation or burial.

To help you decide between cremation or burial, we will explain the differences between the two and the important things you should consider.

Cremations

With 70% of funerals in the UK being a cremation funeral, cremations are undoubtedly the most popular choice for funerals in the UK. A cremation burial plot often costs less than choosing a full-sized grave. But what you do with the ashes after cremation can be a cost consideration.

There are a variety of ways people chose to celebrate the life of the person they loved, including scattering ashes at sea or keeping them in an decorative urn.

What is a direct cremation?

A direct cremation, also known as a direct funeral, is a cremation without a traditional funeral service. As a direct cremation doesn’t involve embalming, coffins or any other funeral arrangements, it is the most economical choice. You can also choose to hold your own memorial afterwards.

Burials

Burials can take place in a traditional cemetery or alternatively at a woodland burial site. Woodland burials are particularly popular due to their tranquil surrounding and eco-friendly coffins.

Woodland burials and green/natural burials are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. There is a wide range of eco-friendly coffin choices or even the option of eco-friendly burial shrouds, all of which are made from natural products or fibres. There is a growing concern to protect our environment and to promote a more sustainable way of living, so why should dying not environmentally friendly too?

Religious factors

A major consideration when choosing between a cremation or burial is whether the person lost had religious beliefs that they would want honouring.  Several branches of religions do not allow cremations, whereas some religions, such as Hinduism, require cremation as a rite of passage.

Environmental considerations

Cremations and burials both have their pros and cons when it comes to the environment. With so much debate about which one of more sustainable, making a decision based on your own research is always the best choice.

For a more natural choice, many people opt for woodland burials as they don’t include embalming and all materials used are biodegradable. At Douch Family Funeral Directors we have access to all of the beautiful woodland burial grounds across Dorset.

Pre-paid funerals

Choosing a pre-paid funeral plan allows you to arrange your funeral service in advance, ensuring that your family know exactly what you want. As well as outlining your wishes, pre-paid funerals also remove the financial burden of a funeral that’s left behind for your friends and family.

At Douch Family Funeral Directors we can talk you through all of your options and will advise on the different types of pre-paid funeral plans available. To find out more, contact our friendly team on 0800 032 9770 or get in touch using our contact form.

Source: OnePoll Research of 1,000 men and women aged 50 and above on behalf of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, November 2017.

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