This may be a little unnerving, but what do you want to do with your body after you die?
It is an important question, and some may veer away from the idea, but it is an inevitable dilemma. For some that already thought about this strongly, there are always these two clear choices: cremation vs burial.
How Burial Works?
For the longest time, the more popular option for internment is burial as it usually encompasses religious and traditional funeral rites and requirements. Burial is a very popular Christian funeral method as it goes with their beliefs in the resurrection of the dead.
The burial process is very customary: a dead person (or animal) undergo hygienic treatments usually in the form of embalming and then laid inside a casket to be displayed in a place of mourning. Then the body is buried to the ground in a cemetery, surrounded with objects from the living. Burials are done after days of mourning or carrying through religious rites that are heavily dependent on cultures and traditions.
The Cremation Process
In recent years, however, the demand for cremations increased significantly for those who are looking for a more affordable funeral alternative. In the UK alone, 80% of the people choose cremations as a final disposition, one of the highest rates in the world.
Cremation is a process that “transforms” the remains (or body) of a dead person into “ashes” using intense heat. These ashes are usually fragments of the bone. Once the cremation process is done, the ashes are placed into urns and returned to the surviving family. The surviving families can now decide on what to do with the ashes, the most popular of which is scattering the remains in a place of importance.
Cremation vs Burial: Price Comparison
Cost is indeed a driving factor when deciding what funeral service best fits for you. Funeral expenses continue to increase given all the necessary preparations that come with it– whether you’ve just lost a loved one or are working on pre-planning.
Most people don’t know much about funerals, so understanding the basics of both services can help you make an informed decision, avoiding unnecessary stress and confusion when you pass. Here’s a breakdown and a quick comparison of each process and cost, as well as a general idea of how much each service costs so you would know what fits your budget.
Burial Services
The average cost of burial varies between nations in the UK, but in London, it is estimated to be at £4,391* (including burial fees, minister or celebrant’s fees, and funeral director’s fees)
*based on interment fee and a 50-year lease of the burial plot for a resident.
Minister or celebrant’s fees: £150-200
Burial charges: £1,986 including the exclusive right of burial (EROB), and typical preparation of the burial plot or grave
Funeral Director’s fees: Average of £2,315
Cremation Services
Many people choose cremation as final disposition as arranging it is much simpler and it advocates flexibility—it allows families more time to plan a memorial service or decide not to. The average cost of direct cremation services in London is £1,723, which typically include:
For some cultures, burials indicate respect for the dead or valuing human dignity. This holds true for Muslim and Christian rituals where friends and family grieve for a loss. Some also consider having an allotted space at a cemetery as a sacred event, allowing them to feel a connection to their loved ones during visits.
Cremation, on the other hand, brings customisation for families who choose to remember their departed loved ones in a way that fits their beliefs and traditions. Cremations don’t necessarily mean deviating from the custom beliefs, as it involves factors like religious considerations and personification depending on the wishes of the deceased.
The decrease in religious restrictions –the Vatican has been loosening rules on cremations – as well as changes in religious attitudes have also fueled the cremation trend. More people are now convinced that the need for a traditional funeral in a church has long been outdated, and alternative funeral ideas are thriving out there in the market for years.
Either way plans on how people are laid to rest is a very personal matter. It is always up to the wishes of the dead or the surviving family members. Both options, though, have advantages as well as drawbacks. To give you more idea on how burial and cremation differ, here are some practical tips for you to consider:
BURIAL
CREMATION
Understanding the funeral costs can be very taxing, and concerns for the environment, along with other economic considerations, are becoming the deciding factors for funeral planning. If you are still weighing the pros and cons between burial and cremation as part of your family members’ memorial services, enumerated were the factors that you could substantially consider.
Deciding on the type of disposition is a personal matter, and this depends on your preference. Your religion, traditional, and personal convention are crucial, and you will feel more comfortable and at ease knowing the customs you wish to include in your funeral package or service.
It is also essential to contemplate what kind of ceremony you wish to have, as it plays a significant factor in advance funeral planning. You must also know that you can always request for clear and accurate service information throughout the planning process, to give you the liberty to decide on funeral arrangements that you don’t need to spend on.
Better yet, talk to My Estate Planning agents today. Our services and platform are designed to put you in contact with dedicated legal experts to support your wealth in your lifetime and beyond.
We will help you come up with informed decisions that come with a detailed and step by step guide on how to go about pre-arranging your funeral plans. We ease your burden by helping you in one of the most challenging tasks during a time of sadness and loss. We also offer packages that fit your budget needs and are competitive than the average.
Take control of the unexpected. Book an appointment today. Contact us through 0204 516 6969
