CREMATION V BURIAL

Traditionally being buried was the preferred option but now cremations account for more than 75% of funerals in Australian metropolitan areas, while 22% are direct cremations (a cremation without an accompanying funeral service), with these trends growing each year.

People are choosing cremations over burials due to financial, practical, religion and environmental concerns. It also allows for someone to scatter the ashes of their loved ones in a meaningful place, or keep these in an urn or keepsake jewellery, keeping them close.

Cost

In 2023, the average burial costs $11,039, whilst an average cremation costs $8.045. This has increased by 20% over the last 4 years according to The Cost of Death Report 2.0 by Australian Seniors and CoreData.

With the rising cost of living, it is important to factor in cost when choosing what type of funeral to have and to also consider the burden it can have on loved ones after someone has passed.

People are paying up to $18,652 for a basic burial funeral, and up to $5,953 for a basic cremation funeral. This is due to the rising costs of funeral services, including embalming, viewing, transportation, professional fees, along with the cost of coffins, burial plots and more, according to the Cost of Death Report 2.0.

Practicalities

There are also practical things to consider such as families who live long distances apart or overseas. If a person is cremated, transporting their remains is often simpler and more cost-effective, so this is also something to consider.

Alternatively, if someone chooses to be buried then friends and family will have a permanent place to visit and remember them. However, if a person is cremated, they can ask to have their remains scattered at a place of significance to them.

Emotional considerations

Whilst cremations are often more affordable and give families more ways to remember the deceased, burials in the past were often the traditional choice, however, these are typically more expensive.  It is important to consider the wishes of your loved one.  This can often be based on personal beliefs, the legacy they want to leave behind and consideration to the family.

Religion

One of the main concerns when deciding between burial or cremations is whether they are permitted by their religion

Environment

Cremations overall are better for the environment. Although cremations emit more carbon emissions than traditional burials initially, their long-term impact is less because there's no need to create a sophisticated coffin or maintain a funeral plot.

Studies have shown that burials generally have a 10% higher environmental impact than cremations.

Benefits

One of the benefits of a burial is that it gives you the option of having a family plot. This means other family members can be buried here also, becoming a place of remembrance. A grave site also gives you a place to visit.

Cremations are far more cost-effective than a burial. For those who are non-religious, the flexibility and simplicity of a cremation is a huge benefit. If you don’t want a full service and prefer a memorial service or celebration of life, then cremations are a great option. Ashes can also be interred at cemeteries for memorialisation or in a wall niche or rose garden site.

When deciding between burial vs cremation, it’s about choosing what feels right for you and your loved ones. Both have their benefits, but ultimately, it’s about honouring your loved one in a way that truly reflects their values and wishes.