Cremation vs Burial – Pros and Cons July 10, 2023

The ultimate question that all of us, at some point, will inevitably face – burial or cremation? This is a decision that can be deeply personal, shaped by factors such as religious beliefs, personal preferences, societal norms, and even financial considerations.

In this blog post, we will delve into both these options, weighing the pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your beliefs and preferences. While our focus is predominantly on cremation at Cremation Service of Western NY, we believe in empowering individuals with knowledge to make choices that best suit their needs and desires.

Cremation: What Does It Entail?

Cremation is a process wherein the deceased’s body is reduced to ashes or ‘cremains’ through the application of intense heat, typically ranging between 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. This procedure usually takes 1-3 hours, followed by a cooling period to handle the remains, which usually weigh between 3-9 pounds.

The cremains can be returned to the family, scattered, buried, or stored in a columbarium based on personal preference. This flexibility is one of the many reasons why cremation is gaining popularity.

Pros of Cremation

• Cost-Effective: Direct cremation, which doesn’t include viewing or a funeral service, is often the most affordable option compared to traditional burial. The cost can be further controlled by choosing a simple urn or scattering the cremains.
• Flexibility: Cremains can be stored, scattered, or buried, offering a wide array of choices to memorialize the deceased based on their wishes or family preference. It also allows for more creative memorials such as turning ashes into jewelry, art, or even a memorial reef in the ocean.
• Environmentally Conscious: Cremation saves land space compared to traditional burial.

Cons of Cremation

• Irreversible: Cremation is a permanent decision and can’t be reversed, which is why it’s important to ensure this aligns with the deceased’s final wishes.
• Environmental Concerns: While it saves land space, the process of cremation does release greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Burial: A Traditional Choice

Burial is the conventional method of laying the deceased to rest, which involves embalming the body, arranging a funeral service, and interring the body in a grave or mausoleum. This process is closely linked with various cultural and religious practices and symbolisms around the world.

Pros of Burial

• Tradition & Ritual: Burial is ingrained in many religious and cultural traditions, providing a sense of continuity and respect for these practices. It allows for rituals like graveside services which some families find comforting.
• Gravesite: A physical gravesite provides a dedicated space for loved ones to visit and remember the deceased.

Cons of Burial

• Cost: Burial tends to be more expensive than cremation, considering the costs of the casket, embalming, burial plot, headstone, and grave maintenance.
• Land Use: Traditional burials use up significant land space, which is becoming a concern in crowded cities.

The Decision: Cremation vs Burial

There’s no definitive answer as to which is better – cremation or burial. It truly depends on personal preference, cultural and religious beliefs, and even logistical concerns. The important part is to make an informed decision that aligns with the final wishes of the deceased and brings comfort to the surviving loved ones.

At Cremation Service of Western NY, we are here to help guide you through this process. Should you choose cremation, our team of professionals is ready to serve you with respect, dignity, and understanding.

Get in touch with us at (585) 544-4500, or email director@cremationwny.com for any inquiries or assistance. 

Remember, it’s okay to ask questions and seek guidance during this challenging time.