Serene FarewellsFuneral, cremation & memorial planning guidance

Burial vs. cremation decision guide

This guide doesn't choose for you. It shows how the things that matter to your family relate to burial and to cremation, so you can decide with confidence.

Answer as many questions as you like; skip any that don't apply.

1. Does a religious or cultural tradition guide this decision?
2. Did the person express a preference? (If planning for yourself, what do you lean toward?)
3. What has your family usually done?
4. How important is keeping costs low?
5. How important is a permanent place, like a grave, to visit?
6. Does the family already own cemetery space?
7. Is seeing the person before the service important to the family?
8. Would flexibility in when to hold a memorial help (e.g., family far away)?
9. Might the family move, or want to share or divide the remains?
10. How important are environmental considerations?

It isn't always either/or

  • A viewing and funeral, then cremation — the familiar service, with cremation afterward.
  • Cremation, then burial — cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery or family grave, giving a place to visit.
  • Green burial — burial without embalming or a vault, with a lower environmental footprint.

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