Cremation or Burial: Planning a funeral

By Cleo Funeral and Cremation Specialists
8 minute read
  • Cost Comparison: Cremation is generally more affordable than traditional burial, with significant savings on caskets, burial plots, and maintenance fees.
  • Cultural and Religious Influences: Decisions are often guided by cultural and religious beliefs, with a growing acceptance of cremation in modern practices.
  • Family Traditions and Personal Wishes: Family traditions and the deceased's personal wishes play a crucial role in choosing between cremation and burial.
  • Environmental Considerations: Cremation typically has a lower environmental impact compared to the resource-intensive process of traditional burials.
  • Deciding between cremation and burial is a deeply personal choice that reflects individual values, cultural backgrounds, and financial situations. As we think about planning the final arrangements for ourselves or our loved ones, understanding these options is crucial.

    Funeral Costs

    Most often, one of the first considerations when planning a funeral is the cost. In Quebec and Canada, traditional burials, which involve a range of customs and ceremonies, can be considerably more expensive than cremation. The cost difference largely stems from expenses associated with the coffin, burial plot, and ongoing maintenance fees for the grave.

    • Burial Costs: Prices for a coffin can vary significantly, ranging from $1,000 to over $15,000, depending on the materials and design. Burial plot prices fluctuate based on location and availability, contributing to an overall cost for a burial funeral that can span from $6,000 to $20,000, with an average around $9,000. Additionally, annual maintenance fees for the burial site add to the long-term financial obligations.
    • Cremation Costs: The average cost for a traditional cremation, which includes a service and an urn, is approximately $6,800. An unattended, or direct, cremation is usually the least expensive option, primarily because it eliminates many costs associated with traditional funerals, such as embalming and elaborate caskets. The costs of a direct cremation remain low because there is no need for extensive transportation, celebrants, or the use of funeral home facilities for services.

    Cultural and Religious Considerations

    Cultural and religious beliefs significantly influence whether families choose cremation or burial. Traditionally, burial has been the preferred option in many cultures, associated with respect and dignity for the deceased. However, shifts in societal values and cemetery space constraints have led to an increased acceptance of cremation in places like Quebec and Canada.

    • Religious Perspectives: In many religions, burial is seen as a way to respect the body and its eventual resurrection. However, many modern interpretations within various faiths now accommodate cremation as an acceptable option. For example, while traditional Catholic doctrine preferred burial, recent papal statements have acknowledged cremation as a viable choice, provided that the ashes are treated with respect.
    • Secular and New Traditions: As Canada and Quebec embrace more secular values, many people are starting to create new traditions, moving away from rituals deeply rooted in religious practices. This includes a greater consideration for cremation, influenced by practicality and personal preference.

    Family Traditions and Personal Wishes

    Beyond cultural and religious standards, family traditions and the expressed personal wishes of the deceased play a significant role in the decision process. Some families may choose to continue with long-held traditions, while others may opt to forge new paths that better reflect the personal values and experiences of their loved ones.

    Environmental Considerations

    While the act of cremation does produce more carbon dioxide compared to a burial, the cremation process generally has a lower overall carbon footprint than burials. Burials tend to be resource-intensive when considering the environmental cost of manufacturing caskets and headstones, and maintaining the cemetery land. On the other hand, cremation offers options for ashes, such as scattering in meaningful places or storing in biodegradable urns, that reduce the impact on land use.

    Evolving Trends and Final Thoughts

    The trends and choices of Canadians and Quebecers are constantly changing, with over 73% now choosing cremation, a number that continues to rise every year. This evolving landscape shows that an increasing number of families find cremation not only a practical and affordable alternative but also a choice that honors their loved ones in a way that resonates with their personal beliefs and circumstances.

    Ultimately, the decision between cremation and burial should reflect the wishes and the life of the deceased, providing comfort and closure to those who remain. As societal attitudes continue to evolve, it becomes increasingly important to discuss and plan these decisions openly and with the support of knowledgeable and compassionate professionals.