When laying your loved one to rest, is it better to plan a cremation or a funeral with a burial? The answer depends on several factors you should carefully consider.

According to statistics compiled by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) in 2011, cremation rates have steadily increased across North America to rates as high as 59% in some parts of the U.S. and 70% in some parts of Canada. Despite the rising cremation rate, a substantial number of families still prefer a funeral with a burial.

Cost

A critical factor for many families planning a funeral is cost. Cremations cost as little as one-fourth of the price of funerals, on average, largely because they cremation doesn’t require embalming services, caskets, cemetery plots, gravestones, or burial fees as funerals do.

Religious or Cultural Reasons

Religion is an important consideration. Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths prefer funerals, while Hindus, Buddhists, and Eastern cultures prefer cremation. There is some debate about cremation within the religions that favor funerals, and some faiths are accepting of the practice of cremation. When in doubt about your faith’s traditions or laws, seek counsel from religious leaders in your community.

Time

Typically you must wait 48 hours to get the proper permits for a cremation. Embalming might take some time, but, provided you have a signed death certificate, a burial could take place as soon as the next day. Religious reasons or cultural traditions might again be a factor. Usually the memorial service for either a cremation or funeral is within the week of the death to allow time for family, friends and other mourners to gather.

Wake or Viewing

You can have a viewing service before either a cremation or a funeral. Caskets are not required for a cremation, but a funeral home will typically require you to purchase a casket for a wake. You could forgo the wake, but relatives and other mourners might be left without closure or a chance to say goodbye.

Location of Remains

With funerals, you’ll have to pay for a placement in a cemetery or mausoleum. With a cremation, you have the option of keeping the ashes in your home or with you wherever you go – in an urn, keepsake jewelry, or other personalized vessel – or scattering the ashes in a special place, such as a public park. You can also choose to scatter the ashes at sea at memorial reefs around the country. But, keep in mind that if you scatter ashes, you won’t have a physical spot or gravestone you can regularly visit to pay your respects.

Whether you choose cremation or a funeral, it is best to plan ahead. If you’ve decided on cremation, SmartCremation.com can help with preplanning or immediate needs. Call (503) 402-2578 for more information.