Important Differences Between a Burial and a Cremation

A burial is a traditional funeral event that involves a series of strict events one after one. When it comes to scheduling the events for funeral services, most funeral directors can’t be as flexible as they perhaps want to be. There are too many expectations that need to be met.  

As compared to the traditional funeral, cremation is far more flexible and you can even include some aspects of a traditional funeral in cremation as well such as viewing the deceased before cremation. However, you can also go for direct cremation and plan a fully customized memorial ceremony later on for the convenience of those close relatives who live far away.  

The timing of the different services matters the most while choosing a burial or cremation. For some of the traditional and religious traditions, the deceased is interred in the final place within a day. While others expect that burial should take place within a week. For a burial, the funeral ceremony must take place before the deceased one is laid to rest. By doing so, it gives a little time for close relatives and friends to say their final goodbyes to their loved ones.  

When it comes to cremation, services can occur before or even after for the convenience of people who have busy schedules. Cremations provide flexible options as families and friends usually live far away from each other and some of them can't join a burial funeral due to work or long travel concerns. It provides an easy way for loved ones to pay their respects at the right time.  

The traditional funeral and burial always end in one way as the deceased may be buried in the ground or entombed above it. There are a variety of options when it comes to cremation and you can choose disposition options accordingly. Burying the ashes is an option where loved ones are provided with the dedicated site to remember the deceased one. A columbarium is another for a cremation that is designed with smaller spaces to safety hold urns.  

There are limited options for a burial memorial as cemeteries are becoming stricter. However, there are more options when it comes to cremation memorial of your loved one. Urns are available in all shapes, designs, and sizes and you can go for a customized design based on the deceased’s personality.  

Whatever option you decide is right for your family, you need to find the right funeral home and crematory. You can’t do this on your own. You need to work with a professional company. Only people who are within the industry truly understand what’s involved in laying someone to rest.