It’s never a good time to have to say goodbye to a loved one. The loss of a family member or friend is devastating. Sometimes, death happens suddenly, without arrangements having been made in advance. In these cases, as people grieve, they are also trying to determine the best way to properly honor and pay respects to the deceased. There are so many options, especially when shopping around for monument makers in Walterboro, SC. One of the choices mourners struggle with the most is opting for either cremation or burial. Read on to learn more about your options.
Understanding Cremation
There are a number of benefits to cremation. It is certainly the most cost-effective way to handle the body of the deceased. To prepare a body for burial along with working with a funeral home adds up quickly. There are also the costs associated with transporting the body to and from various locations (hospital/morgue, funeral home, burial site) and the casket you select. All of this adds up quickly, and before you know it, you can’t afford to mourn the person you hoped to bury.
Additionally, cremation is also more environmentally friendly than a burial, requiring no ground for burial or chemicals to treat the body for a viewing. Since you don’t need a burial plot, you’re saving valuable land space as well as saving yourself some money.
For families who don’t live in the same place, cremation offers more flexibility in how the remains are handled following the funeral. Whether you opt to keep the remains in an urn that stays with a single family member or spread the ashes somewhere special, cremation gives you more options for your final farewell.
Before selecting cremation for your loved one, consider their religious background. Many people of Jewish, Muslim and Eastern Orthodox faiths do not want to be cremated. On the other hand, those who practice Hinduism or Buddhism might prefer cremation.
Understanding Burial
Certainly the more traditional option, burial allows the body to decompose in the earth while providing a dedicated place where family and friends can gather to grieve, reminisce and support each other. Also, many find it disrespectful to the person’s memory to cremate them, as the incineration can seem a bit barbaric or brutal. Burial makes it possible for the body to be exhumed if that is ever necessary, whereas cremation is final and permanent. You also have to consider the deceased’s religious beliefs, as this might ultimately make the decision for you.
For many, burial offers the time needed to properly mourn the loss. Cremation takes a matter of hours, meaning the funeral can be scheduled and held fairly quickly afterward. Some mourners feel that rushing the process glosses over the deceased’s life and accomplishments.
Making these final decisions for your parents, grandparents, spouse or any number of close relations is a challenge no one wants to face. However, you have to make these important decisions in order to move on. Whether you choose cremation or burial, you’ll want to work with monument makers in Walterboro, SC who understand your specific needs. Contact the experts at Steedley Monument Works today to learn more.