When it comes to making the decision about what to do with a loved one's remains after they die, there are many options to choose from. One of the most common choices is cremation vs burial. There are pros and cons to both options, and families may take many things into consideration. Just some of these things may include the family’s budget, religious beliefs, as well as where they would like their loved one’s final resting place to be. With cremation services in Columbia, SC becoming an increasingly popular choice, let’s look more at how this option compares with traditional burial and why families may opt for this choice.

What is Cremation?

Cremation is an act of body disposition. It is carried out but the body is taken to the crematory and placed in a cremation container. This container is like a casket but made from a thinner material. The container and the body are then placed into the cremation chamber and heat is used to reduce the body to its mineral compounds. These remains are the ashes that are then returned to the family.

Why is cremation better than a burial?

Since direct cremations don't require embalming, they are more economical than direct burials. Additionally, you have the choice to keep the body in a different container other than a casket. In contrast to burial, cremation is an easier technique that also contributes to saving ground area. With cremation, the family has the option to scatter the ashes in a meaningful place or even keep them in an urn. There are many different types of urns available for purchase, and some can be quite beautiful and ornate.

Cremation vs Burial: The Advantages of Cremation over Burial

Cremation provides more options for the final resting place.

When it comes to cremation, families have a wide range of options as to what to do with their loved one’s remains after the cremation. Families may choose more traditional options such as keeping the ashes in an urn and having it displayed in their home, while others may choose to release the ashes back into nature with a casting ceremony.

However, those are not the only options. Today there are more ways than ever to use loved ones’ ashes from turning them into a diamond using them in ink to get a cremation tattoo, having them forged into a glass sculpture or vinyl record to even having them shot into space or turned into a living coral reef.

Cremation is more affordable than burial.

When it comes to budget, cremation can be a much better fit for some families than traditional burial services. This is because with burial services that include things such as visitations and funerals where the body will need to be prepared to be displayed, services such as embalming and hair and make-up will need to be performed all increasing the overall cost.

With cremation, there are no such costs associated as the body is not prepared for viewing. This can be significant cost savings for some families.

What is the cheapest price to be cremated?

Direct cremation is the least expensive type of disposition. The price of a direct cremation varies based on where you reside and what the funeral home charges, but you should budget between $2,000 and $5,000.

Cremation can provide more time and flexibility.

With burials, any associated services such as funerals or visitations must be performed at certain times. This makes the timeframe for planning such services shortly.

With cremation, the body has already been disposed so the family has much more time and flexibility in planning any services. This extra time can also be very beneficial if there are family or friends who live out of town and need more time to arrange for travel plans as well as taking off work.

How long does cremation take?

The cremation process itself takes three to four hours, plus an additional hour or two for processing. It normally takes seven to ten days to deliver the ashes to the family after a body has been cremated.

Cremation is more environmentally-friendly than burial.

The processes of embalming and burial use chemicals. This has the potential to enter the earth and harm the ecosystem. Land and water may still be needed for cemetery management. The environment may pay a high price as a result of this. Typically, wood and a variety of other materials are used to make the caskets. This timber annually equates to over 4 million acres of forest.  Cremation doesn't have this same environmental impact.

The ashes are portable.

This is an important consideration for those who move frequently or have loved ones in different parts of the country. The ashes can be taken with you wherever you go. They provide a sense of comfort and connection to the deceased, even when they're not physically present.

Unlike burial, it would take time and money just to move a deceased’s remains to a different location. However, with cremation, an urn can easily be transported and be placed in a different location.

Using the ashes in a creative way as a form of remembrance.

There are many ways to use cremated remains as a memorial. They can be scattered in a favorite spot, used to create art or jewelry, or even incorporated into trees and plants. The possibilities are endless and limited only by your imagination.

Cremation gives you the opportunity to be creative in how you remember your loved one. You can use the ashes in a way that is meaningful to you and your family.

Final Thoughts

Cremation services in Columbia, SC are rising in popularity each year more and more over burials. Although burials are the perfect fit for some families, you can see why other families may choose cremation. To learn more about cremation as well as the different types and services it can include, get in touch with Powers Funeral Home. Give us a call at (803) 408-8711 or come by anytime as we would love the opportunity to talk with you and your needs.