Cremation Or Burial
Cremation or burial
Research shows that 49% of people arranging a funeral didn’t know whether the deceased would have wanted a burial or cremation1. This often leads to much deliberation between family members and has even been known to cause family disputes. Relatively few of us actually get round to discussing our funeral wishes with friends and family, but by making your arrangements in advance, you can ensure there is no doubt as to which type of funeral you would prefer.
Here is some information about both options which you may find useful when deciding what’s right for you.
Cremation
Cremation cannot occur until the cause of death is established. The crematorium usually requires certain forms to be completed. Families are often unsure what to do with these ashes, so it’s a good idea to consider this prior to setting up your pre-paid funeral plan. You may request that the ashes are either:
- Scattered in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance or in place specified by you,
- Kept by your family, or
- Interred in a grave.
Burial
Burial can take place after the green certificate from the register office is provided to the cemetery registrar. Here are some points to consider if you choose a burial:
- If there is an existing grave, for example a family plot, and there is room for a further interment, this may be the simplest option.
- If a new grave is needed, this can be arranged by the funeral director or with the cemetery directly. New graves tend to be costly depending on the area, and there may also be restrictions on the type of memorial or headstone that can be placed on the grave, depending on the authority.
For more information and for assistance in deciding whether a burial or cremation is right for you, please speak to one of our Appointed Representatives. Funeral plans do not normally include a burial plot, but these can be added in some areas.
1. SunLife (2023), Cost of Dying Report, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs.
Terms and conditions apply to funeral plans.