Cremation vs Burial: Making the Right Choice for You

Choosing between a cremation vs burial is a fundamental part of making end-of-life plans. While some of us know exactly what kind of funeral we want, others may need more information or time to think it over. 

In this article, we will dive into different aspects of both cremation and burial, from ceremonial traditions to the financial implications and environmental impacts. Whether you are pre-planning your own final arrangements or deciding for a loved one, we hope to help you make a decision that feels right.

Key takeaways:

• Cremation is generally less expensive than burial.
• Both cremation and burial can include a funeral service, but the processes following differ significantly.
• Religious views on cremation versus burial vary, with some faiths favouring one over the other.
• Both options have environmental impacts, with cremation producing carbon emissions and traditional burial potentially harming soil and water quality.
• Direct cremation offers a simple, less costly alternative to traditional funeral services.

What is the cost of cremation vs burial?

Information in The Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2025 suggests a price difference of roughly £1,218 between burial and cremation, with cremation being the less expensive option on average. However, prices can vary significantly based on location, the services chosen, and the funeral director involved.

Since cost often plays an important  role in decision-making for many families, we will examine these expenses more closely.

Average funeral costs

There are common expenses shared between burial and cremation that are typically a part of every funeral. There are a few different factors involved in final funeral costs. However, generally people will need to pay for the funeral service, collection of the person who has died, and possibly a wake, celebration of life, or memorial service.

Costs associated with burial include the plot, cemetery fees, a headstone, a coffin, and sometimes, embalming. This amounts to a national average cost of £5,198, according to SunLife’s Cost of Dying Report, 2025. 

Average cremation costs

The national average of a cremation is around £3,980 as reported by the Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2025. This typically includes cremation fees which are less expensive than those associated with a burial. 

However, there are different cremation types to consider, and the final price of a cremation can increase above this average depending on choices related to the funeral service. These can include the venue, and what is done with the ashes afterwards, such as internment of ashes or an ash scattering ceremony.

The process following a funeral

The funeral process for both traditional cremation and burial typically begin with a similar service. This can take place inside a religious building like a church, a special hall at a crematorium or a venue of your choice. The service can be led by a celebrant, officiant or family member and may include readings, eulogies and music. 

The way the body is laid to rest after this celebration is where the differences between these options emerge.

The traditional burial process

Following a funeral service, the traditional burial process begins with the procession to the cemetery or burial site. Pallbearers, sometimes close family or friends, will carry the coffin to its final resting place. 

As the coffin is gently lowered into the ground, some people may say a few words, scatter soil on top or lay flowers to say goodbye. A wake is commonly held afterwards to honour the person who has died. The burial plot will then be filled and marked with a headstone to honour the person resting there.

Burial is favoured by some for its tradition and the lasting memorial it provides, where loved ones can visit and potentially be laid to rest together.

The modern cremation process

After the funeral service, what happens at a cremation is somewhat mysterious to many. It begins with the committal, where the coffin is either concealed by a curtain or lowered from view. Alternatively, the coffin might be removed after guests leave, allowing the family a private farewell. A wake, memorial or gathering then may follow after the service, if chosen by the person who has died and their family.

The body and coffin are then transferred to a cremator. Under the very high heat inside a specially designed furnace, the person who has died and their coffin is burned within a few hours, leaving ashes behind. These ashes are processed and returned to the family in an urn, box, or scatter tube.

Cremation is sometimes chosen for its flexibility. You can scatter the ashes of your loved one in a special place or they can be kept with you. More creative ashes ideas include being turned into fireworks, jewellery and even putting cremation ashes in a tattoo.

Traditional burial vs cremation in religion

Religious beliefs differ on the appropriate way to care for the body after death. Hinduism and Sikhism generally prefer cremation, focusing on the soul rather than the physical body. In contrast, Islam and Orthodox Judaism mandate burial, emphasising the sanctity and wholeness of the body.

Christian views on cremation have evolved. Historically, many denominations required burial, associating it with beliefs in bodily resurrection. However, since 1963, the Catholic Church has permitted cremation, provided the ashes are kept intact rather than scattered.

If your beliefs do impact your funeral choice, talking to a religious leader can give you more knowledge and bring you more comfort in your decision.

Planning a burial or a cremation for a loved one

The question of burial vs cremation can come up when setting your own funeral wishes or finding a prepaid funeral plan, but it’s also a key part of planning the funeral of a loved one. Check to see if they died with pre-arranged plans in place or an advance care plan. Once you know their funeral wishes you can get in contact with a funeral director to begin the process.

For burial, this involves selecting a cemetery, choosing a plot, and deciding on the type of coffin. Additionally, you may want to personalise the grave marker with a particular statue or gravestone with pictures and text.

For cremation, consider how the ashes will be handled. Some crematoriums may require the use of their containers, while others might allow you to use a personal urn for the ashes.

If you’re unsure what your loved one would have wanted, consult with family members or close friends to find arrangements that reflect the values and desires of the person who has died.

Adding a memorial to a burial or cremation

Losing a loved one can be extremely difficult, but finding ways to remember and honour them can bring a small amount of peace during a hard time. Both burial and cremation allow for various memorial options:

• A burial provides a permanent place to commemorate a loved one’s life.
• Memorial alternatives could include installing a bench in their favourite park, planting a tree to grow in their memory or adding a plaque in a meaningful location. 
• Services like wakes or end-of-life celebrations provide opportunities for friends and family to gather, share memories, and support each other through grief.
• Donating to charity in their name can also be a thoughtful way to honour those who have died.

No matter which option is best for your family, remembering a loved one with a memorial serves as a way to keep cherished memories alive and bring people together.

Environmental impact of cremation vs burial

When it comes to being buried or cremated, both options come with environmental considerations. Cremation requires a lot of energy: about 285 kiloWatt hours of gas and 15kWh of electricity on average according to The Guardian. On top of that, the process also emits some amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which can impact air quality. It is important to note that crematoriums are mandated to follow environmentally friendly practices.

A traditional burial is also not free from environmental dilemmas. Embalming, a practice typically involved in burial, involves chemicals like formaldehyde, which can harm soil and water quality. Even if embalming is not used, chemicals on the coffins like veneer and glue can leak harmful substances into the ground. Furthermore, cemeteries use vast amounts of land which can disrupt local ecosystems and biodiversity. 

If you are seeking a greener farewell, natural burials are an alternative option. This method forgoes toxic embalming fluids and uses biodegradable coffins or shrouds to reduce the environmental impact.

Aura’s cremation services

If you’re still unsure whether burial or cremation is the right choice, direct cremation offers a simple and dignified alternative. Unlike traditional funerals, which often involve a service, pallbearers and hearses, direct cremation focuses on simplicity, with no formal ceremony, reducing both cost and complexity.

At Aura, our experienced and compassionate funeral arrangers, the Aura Angels, are here to support you through every step of the process. We provide prepaid direct cremation plans, allowing you to plan ahead and ease the pressure on your family. With our trusted services, you can ensure everything is taken care of with clarity and care. If you’d like to learn more, our team is always happy to help…please don’t hesitate to contact us.