What Is The Difference Between A Cremation And A Burial?

Both cremations and burials are the most common choices when people are planning a funeral for their loved one, but deciding between the two is often a tough choice if the person who has died hadn’t expressed a preference for one or the other.

Each of them have their own benefits, different costs and religious significance, with cremation offering more memorialisation flexibility and burials tending to have a lower environmental impact.

Do you need guidance on deciding whether a burial or cremation is the right end-of-life arrangement for your loved one? Read on as we highlight the main differences between a cremation and a burial.

Flexibility and memorial options

There are some different types of memorial options available for after the funeral depending on whether a cremation or burial has taken place. The biggest difference between a cremation and a burial is that with a cremation the ashes can be returned to the family and there is more flexibility in memorialisation.

Cremation

The most popular memorialisation after a funeral for cremation is the scattering of ashes in a place that was special to your loved one, like local parks or beauty spots that they loved. Some families choose to keep the ashes in an urn at home, while others opt for turning them into jewellery, glass ornaments or even planting them with a memorial tree. This flexibility allows families to honour their loved one in a deeply personal way.

Burial

On the other hand, burials provide a permanent resting place within a cemetery, burial ground or mausoleum. This option is commonly chosen for those who prefer a dedicated place to visit and pay respects. While traditional burials are the most common, green burials are becoming increasingly popular allowing for a natural return to the earth with biodegradable coffins and less impact on the environment. Although cremation may offer greater flexibility in how someone is memorialised, burial allows for a lasting tribute through a headstone, giving families a physical place to reflect and pay their respects.

Religious significance

Someone’s religious beliefs often play a crucial role in deciding between a burial or cremation. Some faiths strongly favour one over another, some accept both options, though personal beliefs and cultural traditions tend to influence individual choices.

Burial

•  Islam believe people should be buried, believing that the body should be honoured as it was in life and returning the body to the earth.
• Orthodox Judaism also believe people should be buried, with the Eastern Orthodox Church believing cremation represents a denial in the acceptance of the physical body.

Cremation

• Hinduism believes that cremation helps the soul escape the body and the mortal world more quickly, assisting with reincarnation, so it’s common for all Hindus except for babies, children and saints.

Burial or cremation

• Catholics historically banned cremation and still expect the body to be present for funeral mass, but they are now allowed to be cremated after this and prefer the ashes to be kept together and buried as opposed to scattered.
• The Mormon church prefer burial, but do not stop cremation.
• Many Christian denominations have become more accepting of cremation.
• Cremation is more traditional in Buddhism; however both are accepted.

Is burial or cremation better for the environment?

Environmental concerns have become increasingly significant for many people as a deciding factor between a burial or cremation. While cremation does release carbon emissions and gases into the atmosphere, modern crematories are subject to strict regulations that help to reduce their impact.

Green burials are becoming more common and are more environmentally friendly than traditional burials. Green burials avoid the use of embalming chemicals, use biodegradable coffins or burial shrouds and take place in natural burial sites. These factors allow the body to decompose naturally which contributes to soil health without harming the delicate eco-system.

Cost considerations – which is cheaper?

Cremation

The cost of a funeral for cremation is generally lower than a burial as it eliminates the need for purchasing a burial plot and headstone and the long-term cost of grave maintenance.

Cremation provides a more affordable option for families looking to minimise financial strain, with lower upfront costs and less ongoing financial commitments.

Burials

On the other hand, burials tend to involve higher upfront costs including the plot itself, a coffin and memorialisation. These costs tend to vary depending on location, burial plot, service preferences and the type of coffin and flowers chosen.

How Douch can help you decide

At Douch Family Funeral Directors, we understand that choosing between burial or cremation is a deeply personal decision, and our experienced team is here to guide you through the process. We offer a full range of funeral services tailored to your loved one’s wishes and your family’s needs, providing expert advice and compassionate support.

Explore our services here to learn more about how we can help you make the right choice, contact us today by filling out our online form or alternatively email us at [email protected] or call on 01202 367 307.