It can be challenging to navigate how best to celebrate and remember your loved one and is a burdensome task for anyone. This process can be even trickier if the deceased has not left any guidance on what they would prefer. So when making this choice, there are several different factors to consider, especially when considering a direct cremation or a burial service for a loved one.

Currently, burial services and direct cremations only allow a restricted number of attendees, with the latter option accompanied by a chapel attendant to see the process through smoothly. Due to COVID-19, friends and family cannot gather in large memorial ceremonies which are traditional with burial services, but it’s not to be ruled out just yet. 

At present, 75% of the UK population are cremated, with the remaining number being laid to rest in the earth through traditional burial services. 

Each person may have their own reasons for choosing a burial, outlined in the comparison below. 

Burials are still important to many families

Many loved ones make a commitment to each other while still in the living world that they will remain together even in death. It is possible to reserve a space in a churchyard next to other family members and is even tradition in some cases. These spaces can be purchased and marked long before the time comes, giving others time to prepare for the occasion. It may also offer comfort to the buyer, a sense of expectation and control over what happens even after death. 

Choosing a coffin is a crucial part of the traditional burial and funeral service. Some may view it as the chance to bury another with true honour and dignity, with all range of quality coffins available. On the contrary, this may be difficult for those in financial hardship to afford and may pressure family members in terms of funeral costs. 

Ecological factors to consider

Burials could be considered the ecological choice of the two, which may be an important factor in determining a decision, based on the knowledge that cremations only contribute to climate change. Albeit a minor contribution, this is something that many will take into account in the future with more awareness around the health of the planet as a whole and what can be done to improve this. 

Having said this, if everyone chose to be buried, then space would quickly decrease in the allotted land, which may mean that burial sites are forced to invade farmland or nature reserves to fulfil the deceased’s wishes. 

Covid-19 Friendly Cremations

The new restrictions mean that extensive memorial services are unable to take place and, as a result, direct cremations have become an increasingly popular choice in the last year. 

Previously, direct cremations only would have been considered for those in particular circumstances, but due to the pandemic, they may be the best option for many more families who want to wait for a more significant ceremony. 

Direct cremations only mean that family and friends have more time to agree on how the memorial should occur and allow them time to give a loved one a formal, proper service. 

Scattering Ashes 

It may comfort families to have a loved one’s ashes nearby or know that they were scattered in a place held dear to their heart. Many choose to keep the ashes at home, which is a choice that burial does not allow. Ashes can even be placed into jewellery items or given a memorial stone in a designated woodland or cemetery so that there is a place to go to when mourning. 

Looking for guidance at a time like this is normal, and with several options available to families, it may feel overwhelming. But whatever choice is made, it will undoubtedly be a beautiful service, with the cremation only part of the service in its entirety and the endless possibilities that a burial presents. Each has unique qualities that will provide a fantastic service.