It's your decision whether to bury or cremate someone you love. The first step to making the proper choice is to grasp all of your options thoroughly.

Cremation is the incineration of a deceased person's body, which results in a granular material known as cremated remains or ashes. Cremation still necessitates the use of a coffin or other appropriate container.

The act of putting the deceased into a coffin and lowering it into a grave and covering it with soil, or entombing them in a crypt above ground, is known as burial.

Choosing between burial and cremation is a profoundly personal choice that many people struggle with. Cremation has been more common in recent years, overtaking burial as the most popular option. However, before making a decision, several variables must be considered.

The Major Differences

Let's start with a comparison between cremations versus burial. A corpse is cremated when it is burned, leaving just ashes behind. The corpse is not damaged during a burial. Following a typical funeral ceremony or before a memorial service, cremation and burial can occur shortly after death.

The body might be buried or entombed in a mausoleum in the case of a burial. On the other hand, cremated remains can be retained, distributed, buried in the ground, or entombed in a columbarium by the family. Cremation is the more cost-effective option out of the two.

The Remains’ Respect

While selecting between burial and cremation, some typical themes and questions are the desire to be respectful to the deceased's memory and, by extension, their body is one of the most prevalent concerns individuals express. It's worth noting, though, that for some, this implies conserving the body's integrity, but for others, the idea of leaving the remains to rot underground is intolerable.

Environmental Implications

If being ecologically conscious is essential to you, both burial and cremation have advantages and disadvantages. There is some disagreement among proponents of both options as to which has the least detrimental environmental impact.

Some argue that the cremation process releases a considerable quantity of pollutants. In contrast, others argue that the lack of biodegradability of materials used in conventional caskets, as well as the toxicity of embalming chemicals, make cremation a greener option.

Consider the following factors as well:

Personal Preference:

Is there anything you like or dislike about each process?

Optional Features Include:

The style of the permanent monument may influence your decision. Both burial and cremation monuments provide a broad range of creative options.

Cost Comparison:

While cremation is sometimes thought to be the less expensive option, the ultimate prices vary based on the alternatives selected.

Religion or Custom:

Some societies or religions have rules on how people, the dead should, be buried.

Wishes of the Spouse:

There are choices for couples that wish to stay together forever when their inclinations diverge.

Whether a loved one is buried or cremated, a visitation, funeral, and reception allow us to say our goodbyes and honour them in the manner they wish to be remembered. There are several ways to make the closing ceremonies as unique as the individual being honoured.

For further assistance to decide between cremation or burial, please feel free to contact Ajax Crematorium & Visitation Centre at 289-372-3300 today! We will work with you to ensure your cultural funeral wishes are carried out to your specifications.