Burial vs. Cremation

Why are more and more people choosing cremation? There are many factors, including:

• Personal or spiritual choice
• Environmental choice
• Simplicity or convenience
• Economy
• Greater acceptance now among many religions

Cremation is a centuries old funeral rite which is again growing in preference. It's the rite of preference in Europe, Great Britain, Japan, Scandinavia, and other regions.

When choosing cremation as part of your pre-planned arrangements, important considerations should be given to a few specific issues.

How are cremation services different from regular burial services? They're not. Services with cremation are the same as with earth burial, unless you prefer something different. It's your choice to make.

Cremation and burial offer the same services, including music, prayers, and passages of your choice. You can have viewing and visitation arrangements, with an open or closed casket (or no casket at all) for as long or as short a period as you wish.

Whatever you choose - casket and burial or cremation, family and friends need time to grieve and say goodbye. It is during these times that the support of friends and family is so important. Having a visitation, funeral or memorial service is an important part of the grieving process and brings people together who can give you a support network.

By pre-planning your funeral, you will relieve your family of having to make these important decisions during a period of great stress and grief.