Burial or Cremation. How Do I Choose?

Choosing between cremation and burial can be a challenging decision, but understanding the key factors can help. At Rose Hills Memorial Park in Putnam Valley, NY, we explore the benefits of both options.

Advantages of Cremation

The cremation rate in the U.S. has almost doubled in the past 15 years, according to a report by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), cremation is expected to exceed 70% by 2030. The reasons for the rise?

Cost: Cremation is typically less expensive than burial. The average cost for a traditional funeral is between $7,100 and $10,000, which includes services in a funeral home, a casket and a vault, and burial in a cemetery, according to the NFDA. Compare that to cremation, which averages between $2,000 and $4,000. This includes a basic memorial service provided by a funeral home.
Environmental Footprint: Cremation is a more environmentally friendly option. Cremation uses fewer resources than other forms of disposition
You Can Take it with You. The remains can be transported easily if you move.
Flexibility: Since there are no time constraints, families have more options for personalizing a memorial service, which can be arranged conveniently for friends and family.

Advantages of Ground Burial

Ground burial has been around for centuries. It remains the most traditional form of end-of-life arrangements. Ground burial provides:

A Permanent Place for Future Generations to Visit: Visiting a grave can be a way to remain connected to those who’ve died, according to grief expert and author Shelly Beach. Family members and loved ones often derive significant comfort from having a specific place to go to remember the deceased. They can arrange gatherings for special dates, including holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries.
A Personalized Memorial or Monument: A headstone or other type of memorial can be important to survivors, especially if it is located in a family plot near others close to the deceased.
Family Plots: The wish to remain near family is why people purchase family plots, spaces in a cemetery containing multiple burial spaces reserved for family members.
Mausoleums: Once a choice available only to the rich and famous, mausoleums are now surprisingly affordable. These provide a form of burial in an above-ground building, away from the elements of the earth.