The Difference Between Burial and Cremation: What Families Should Know

Making funeral service arrangements for someone you love is never easy. When you’re grieving, the last thing you want is confusion about your options.

Two choices dominate modern funeral planning: burial and cremation. Each comes with its own processes, costs, and considerations. This guide will walk you through both, so you can make a decision that feels right for your family.

We won’t cover every variation here. Green burials and alternative methods have their own complexities. Instead, we’ll focus on helping you understand the core differences between traditional burial and cremation as part of understanding your funeral service options.

What Is a Burial?

Burial means placing a body in the ground, typically inside a casket. It’s one of humanity’s oldest funeral practices, dating back thousands of years across virtually every culture.

The Burial Process

Here’s what typically happens:

1. Preparation – The body is embalmed (though not always required) and dressed
2. Viewing or visitation – Family and friends gather to pay respects
3. Funeral service – A ceremony honoring the deceased
4. Procession – Transportation to the cemetery
5. Committal service – Final prayers or words at the gravesite
6. Interment – The casket is lowered and the grave is filled

Where Burials Happen

Most burials take place in:

• Municipal cemeteries – Publicly owned and operated
• Religious cemeteries – Affiliated with specific faiths
• Private cemeteries – Independently owned
• Family plots – Private land designated for burials
• Mausoleums – Above ground structures housing caskets

If you’re considering burial, choosing a cemetery is one of your most important decisions. Location, maintenance, and perpetual care policies all matter.

Cultural Significance

Burial holds deep meaning across religions. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have traditionally preferred burial, viewing it as respectful treatment of the body. Many families value having a physical place to visit and remember their loved one.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2023 report, approximately 36.6% of Americans chose burial in 2023, a steady decline from previous decades, but still representing millions of families annually.

What You’ll Need

Key elements of burial include:

Understanding these costs is crucial. Our guide to funeral costs breaks down every expense you might encounter during the planning process.

What Is Cremation?

Cremation uses intense heat, typically 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, to reduce a body to bone fragments and ash. According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), the process takes 2 to 3 hours depending on body size and crematory equipment.

The Cremation Process

Here’s what happens step by step:

1. Authorization – Legal paperwork and permits are completed
2. Identification – The deceased is identified and tagged
3. Preparation – Medical devices and jewelry are removed
4. Cremation – The body is placed in the cremation chamber
5. Processing – Remaining bone fragments are ground into ash
6. Return of remains – Cremated remains (cremains) are given to the family

What Families Receive

After cremation, you’ll get approximately 3 to 9 pounds of cremated remains, depending on the person’s size. These ashes can be:

• Kept in an urn at home
• Placed in a columbarium niche
• Scattered in meaningful locations
• Divided among family members
• Incorporated into memorial jewelry or art

Many families find it helpful to review cremation packages to understand what’s included and what additional services cost extra.

Cultural and Religious Perspectives

Cremation acceptance varies widely. Hinduism and Buddhism have practiced cremation for millennia. Many Christian denominations now accept it, though some Orthodox traditions still prohibit it. The Catholic Church lifted its ban on cremation in 1963, as documented by the Vatican’s official guidelines.

Islam and Orthodox Judaism generally forbid cremation, viewing burial as mandatory. Funeral traditions around the world reveal fascinating differences in how cultures honor their deceased.

The NFDA reports that 60.5% of Americans chose cremation in 2023, up from just 14% in 1985. This dramatic shift reflects changing religious attitudes, environmental concerns, and cost considerations.

Legal Requirements

Every cremation requires:

• Death certificate
• Cremation authorization form signed by next of kin
• Medical examiner clearance (if death was sudden or unexplained)
• Cremation permit from local authorities
• Use of a licensed crematory facility

Our comprehensive guide to legal requirements for burials and cremations covers everything you need to know about permits, documentation, and state regulations.

Comparing Burial and Cremation: The Key Differences

Let’s look at how these options stack up across the factors that matter most to families.

Cost Comparison

Money matters, especially during difficult times.

Data from NFDA 2023 General Price List Study

Direct cremation, without a viewing or ceremony, costs around $2,000 to $3,000, making it the most affordable option. For detailed comparisons, see funeral costs vs cremation costs.

Environmental Impact

Both methods affect the environment differently.

Burial considerations:

• Requires land use (approximately 32 square feet per plot)
• Embalming fluids contain formaldehyde and other chemicals
• Caskets and vaults use significant resources
• Concrete vaults prevent natural decomposition
• Lawn maintenance requires water, pesticides, and fuel

Cremation considerations:

• Uses natural gas or propane (about the same as two tanks of gas)
• Releases mercury from dental fillings and CO2 into atmosphere
• Requires no land use
• One cremation produces roughly 400 pounds of CO2, according to Environmental Protection Agency studies
• No chemicals needed

Neither option is perfectly green, but cremation generally has a smaller environmental footprint than traditional burial. Green burial options offer alternatives for environmentally conscious families.

Permanence and Memorialization

How do you want to remember your loved one?

With burial:

• Permanent physical location to visit
• Gravestone provides lasting marker
• Fixed memorial that future generations can find
• Requires ongoing cemetery maintenance
• May be far from family if they relocate

With cremation:

• Flexibility in what you do with remains
• Can divide ashes among family members
• Portability if family moves
• Can scatter in meaningful places (with permission)
• No single fixed memorial location

Religious and Cultural Considerations

Your faith or cultural background may strongly influence this decision.

Burial is preferred or required by:

• Orthodox Judaism
• Islam
• Eastern Orthodox Christianity
• Some conservative Christian denominations
• Traditional Chinese practices

Cremation is accepted or preferred by:

• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Most Protestant denominations
• Catholicism (since 1963)
• Secular families

Always consult with your religious leader if you’re uncertain about your faith’s position. Understanding cultural funeral etiquette can help you navigate these sensitive conversations.

Timeline Differences

Burial typically happens within 3 to 7 days of death. This creates urgency for family to gather and make decisions quickly.

Cremation offers more flexibility. Since the body is cremated shortly after death (usually within 48 to 72 hours), you can hold a memorial service weeks or even months later when it’s convenient for everyone.

Emotional and Cultural Considerations

Numbers and logistics only tell part of the story. Your emotional needs matter just as much.

The Value of a Physical Place

Many families find comfort in having a gravesite to visit. Bringing flowers, sitting quietly, or including children in visits can be meaningful rituals.

“A grave provides a focal point for grief,” explains grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt in his book Understanding Your Grief. “It’s a place where your feet can stand while your heart remembers.”

For those who need additional support during this time, our grief support and aftercare resources provide comfort and community connections.

Generational Differences

Younger generations increasingly prefer cremation. A 2022 survey by Choice Mutual found that 71% of millennials prefer cremation versus 49% of baby boomers.

Reasons include:

• Cost consciousness
• Environmental concerns
• Geographic mobility
• Less attachment to religious traditions
• Desire for personalized memorials

When Family Members Disagree

Not everyone may agree on the right choice. The deceased’s wishes should come first if they were documented. Otherwise, the next of kin legally decides.

Consider:

• What the person said about their preferences
• Their religious or cultural background
• What would bring the family peace
• Financial realities
• Compromises (like cremation after a traditional viewing)

Legal and Logistical Factors

Beyond the emotional aspects, several practical matters require attention.

Ownership Rights

Burial plots:

• Usually sold as interment rights rather than property ownership
• Can often be resold through the cemetery
• Transfer to heirs according to cemetery rules
• Subject to cemetery maintenance fees

Cremated remains:

• Belong to the next of kin or person designated in documents
• Can be divided without legal restrictions
• No ownership limits on scattering (though location permissions apply)
• Can be transported across state lines without special permits

Documentation Requirements

Both options require similar paperwork:

• Death certificate (multiple certified copies)
• Authorization from legal next of kin
• Transit permits if crossing state lines
• Medical examiner clearance in certain cases

For complete details, review our guide to funeral legal requirements.

Scattering Laws

If you choose cremation and want to scatter ashes, know the rules:

• Federal land: Generally allowed, but check specific park regulations
• Private property: Requires owner’s permission
• Bodies of water: Legal in ocean (3+ miles offshore) and most inland waters
• Public places: Typically prohibited in urban areas
• Air: No restrictions on aerial scattering

State specific regulations vary significantly. Our scattering ashes laws by state resource provides detailed information for your location.

How to Decide What’s Right for Your Family

No single answer fits everyone. Ask yourselves these questions:

Religious and Cultural Questions

• What does our faith tradition teach about body disposition?
• Did our loved one express preferences based on their beliefs?
• Will our choice affect religious ceremonies or prayers?

Financial Questions

• What can we reasonably afford right now?
• Are payment plans available?
• Have we compared prices from multiple providers?
• What’s included in quoted prices?

Choosing the right funeral home makes a significant difference in both cost and experience.

Practical Questions

• How important is having a physical place to visit?
• Do family members live far apart?
• Are we concerned about environmental impact?
• How quickly do we need to make this decision?

Emotional Questions

• What will bring our family the most peace?
• What would our loved one have wanted?
• Can we compromise if family members disagree?

The Importance of Pre-Planning

Having these conversations before they’re needed removes pressure from an already painful time.

According to the NFDA Consumer Awareness and Preferences Study, 62.5% of Americans think it’s important to communicate their funeral wishes, but only 26.3% have actually done so.

Consider documenting preferences for:

• Burial or cremation
• Type of service desired
• Budget guidelines
• Specific cemetery or crematory
• Memorial preferences

Pre-planning a funeral allows you to make thoughtful decisions without time pressure or emotional overwhelm.

Alternatives and Emerging Trends

The funeral industry continues evolving. While burial and cremation remain dominant, other options are gaining attention:

Green or Natural Burial

• No embalming chemicals
• Biodegradable caskets or shrouds
• Natural decomposition
• Often in conservation burial grounds

Learn more about eco-friendly funeral options in our comprehensive guide.

Alkaline Hydrolysis (Aquamation)

• Water based cremation alternative
• Uses less energy than fire cremation
• Legal in 28 states as of 2024, according to Alkaline Hydrolysis Foundation data
• Produces similar ash-like remains

Memorial Options

• Cremation diamonds made from carbon in ashes
• Biodegradable urns that grow into trees
• Reef balls for ocean memorials
• Space burial for cremated remains

These alternatives deserve their own detailed exploration. For now, know that options beyond traditional burial and cremation do exist.

Making Your Choice with Confidence

There’s no wrong decision between burial and cremation. The right choice is the one that honors your loved one while bringing your family peace.

Take time to:

• Research local providers and compare prices
• Discuss options with family members
• Consult religious or spiritual advisors if needed
• Consider your loved one’s values and wishes
• Trust your instincts about what feels right

Remember that this decision is about creating a meaningful goodbye. Whether you choose the tradition of burial or the flexibility of cremation, what matters most is the love and intention you bring to the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cremation cheaper than burial?

Yes, typically. Cremation averages $6,971 compared to $7,848 for burial with a vault, according to NFDA 2023 data. Direct cremation without services costs $2,000 to $3,000.

Which religions allow cremation?

Most Protestant denominations, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Buddhism accept cremation. Islam and Orthodox Judaism generally prohibit it. The Pew Research Center has documented these religious preferences in detail.

Can you be buried after cremation?

Yes. Cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery plot, placed in a columbarium niche, or interred in a burial vault.

How long does the cremation process take?

The actual cremation takes 2 to 3 hours. Total time from death to receiving remains is typically 5 to 10 business days including paperwork.

Can you hold a funeral before cremation?

Absolutely. Many families hold traditional funeral services with viewing before cremation, combining aspects of both traditions.

At Good Send Off, we believe that understanding your choices brings comfort and peace. Whether you choose burial or cremation, what matters most is honoring your loved one’s journey with care and intention.