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Whether the passing of a loved one is expected or sudden, few things are as difficult as planning the memorial service. When it comes to making such important decisions, it can be quite a challenge for family members to decide between cremation and traditional burial services. To make this process a little easier, here’s a look at what you can expect from each option.

Everything You Need to Know About Cremation & Traditional Burial

What Does Each Entail?

Burial services are a more traditional approach. The service typically includes the embalming of the body, transportation for the deceased, and gravesite preparation. To prepare for this service, family members must purchase a plot in a cemetery and choose from a variety of casket options. With cremation, however, the body is burned to ashes over the course of two hours. Family members will need to choose an urn and determine what should be done with the cremains. Common options include keeping the deceased’s ashes in a permanent urn or scattering them in meaningful locations.

What Are the Costs for Each Option?

cremationBecause families won’t have to worry about purchasing burial plots, caskets, or headstones, cremations costs are typically only a third of that for burial services, making it ideal for families on a budget. When choosing cremation, loved ones will only need to cover the costs of an urn and crematorium fees, which means they can expect to save thousands of dollars.

Which Option Is More Popular?

Because it was traditional and conformed to many religious beliefs, burials were extremely popular in the 1980s, when the cremation rate was just under 10%. Today, however, that number has grown to an estimated cremation rate of 49%. This trend has occurred partly due to the reduced costs of cremation. Additionally, it tends to be a more flexible option, which may be ideal for those who live far from family members. Ultimately, your choice should follow the deceased’s wishes if they were made clear or decided upon by the family.

 

Choosing between burial and cremation services can be difficult without the help of experienced professionals. Thankfully, the compassionate funeral planning experts at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel of Columbia, MO, offer assistance to residents throughout Boone County. As a locally owned funeral home, they are committed to providing personalized funeral service no matter what you choose. To learn more about their services, visit them online and call (573) 441-2932. Or, like them on Facebook for the latest updates.
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