Cremation vs. Burial – What to Know

The funeral industry has seen quite the renaissance over the past 10 years as it relates to cremation. From a national cremation average of under 40% in 2012 to a projected 78% by 2025, people choosing cremation over burial has almost doubled. From price and cultural distinctions to convenience, there is a myriad of reasons people choose cremation. But we hear from our families all the time that they do not really understand what sets cremation apart.

Many people still are under the preconceived notion that a cremation is just that – and that alone. Yet, cremation is only the final act of disposition of a deceased body. Before that, you still have many, many options for service and memorializing your loved one.

Memorial Service

The most common of cremation options is the memorial service. When a family chooses this option, they are opting for a funeral service as you normally would with a traditional burial, just without the body present. Generally, the person would be cremated prior to the service so that their cremated remains may be present at the service inside of an urn. Having the remains present is not required, however, and you may have a service without the urn present. Memorial Services may also be called a Celebration of Life, but this terminology has become commonplace for any service type. There is usually no viewing involved with a memorial service option. This is something to think about when making the decision.

Traditional Cremation

We are seeing a rise in what we call a “Traditional Cremation.” Everything about this type of cremation service is the same as a traditional burial service, just without the burial. When a traditional cremation is chosen, the body is embalmed and prepared for a viewing, which is done either the night before, or the day of the service. Then a funeral is held with the casketed body present. After this service, instead of taking the casket to the cemetery for burial, the body is taken to the crematory for cremation. Sometimes this is done immediately after the service, or sometimes it may be the next day. Your funeral director will always work with the family directly to schedule what time works best. Some families choose to be present for the cremation itself, but this is not common. Often, the first question we hear is “what happens to the casket during cremation?” This is a great question with a couple of answers: the most common type of casket for a traditional cremation is a rental casket. Rental caskets are made so that the interior of the casket is a removeable alternative container. After the service this container, with the body, is removed from the rental casket for cremation. The rental casket is then refitted with a new interior and new inside-container for the next use. However – most wooden caskets may be cremated and casket manufacturers make caskets specifically for cremation. These containers are made of lighter, thinner materials and are easily combustible. Rest assured however – the casket materials are not mixed in with the cremated remains after the cremation is complete. All wood and fiber materials are totally cremated and nothing remains. Any metal parts of the casket are removed after the cremation.

Cremation with Viewing

Some families forgo having a service for their loved one, but still would like some time with them. We call this option a “Cremation with Viewing.” Much like a Traditional Cremation, the body is prepared, embalmed and casketed, and a time is scheduled for friends and family to visit. However, this is the extent of the option, as there is no service to follow. After this viewing the body is cremated and the cremated remains returned to the family.

Direct Cremation

Finally, we have “direct” or “immediate” cremation. This option is for those that want the simplest, most straightforward option without farewell or service. After proper paperwork is filed, the body is cremated and the cremated remains returned to the family.

Who makes the decisions?

In the State of Georgia there is a hierarchy to who has what we call the “right of disposition” to allow for someone to be cremated. With adults, first would be a spouse. If there is no spouse, the rights would go to the deceased’s grown children. If there are no children, the rights would transfer to siblings. If there are no siblings, then the deceased grandparents would be allowed to sign. After these categories, the rights would go to the closest degree of kinship -or – to a person willing to assume the responsibilities. In all of the above instances we must have a majority signature. If there are two living parents, both must sign. If there are three children, two or more must sign, etc.

Sometimes a person may have a Durable Power of Attorney with a Health Care Directive that can supersede these relations. However, it must be explicitly stated that this person a) is to be cremated and that b) the undersigned POA has the right to make that decision. Please note that any wishes made in a will do not extend to who has power to make decisions for cremation.

We hope this information is of help to any wondering about cremation options. Our goal is always to help educate and inform our communities of how we can help in the direst of times. As always, please call us anytime if you ever have any questions. Wheeler Funeral Home, 11405 Brown Bridge Road, Covington, GA 30016. (770) 786-7111, wheelerfuneralhome.com