One of the most important decisions you will make when planning a funeral for either a loved one or yourself is whether you will have a traditional burial or cremation. Until the last century, cremation was a sacred practice reserved for certain religions, including Hinduism, while others, such as Judaism and Christianity, required burials for the deceased. Today, many people are choosing cremation services over traditional burials regardless of religious affiliation because of the convenience they provide.

Below, the funeral planning experts from Fossum Funeral Home in Onalaska, WI, explain the benefits of choosing cremation.

3 Advantages of Cremation

1. It’s More Cost Effective

If finances are a concern, you and your loved ones might benefit from a cremation. A funeral service, including the casket and burial, can cost between $7,000 and $9,000. In contrast, a cremation service—including the memorial urn—costs at most $2,000.

2. It Offers Peace of Mind for Your Family

In addition to the financial expense, funeral services can also be complicated and difficult to arrange. You must find a funeral home, calculate the number of guests, choose a casket, select a tombstone, and ensure everything is done in a timely fashion following the death. Even if many of these details are arranged beforehand, it will still take plenty of effort to ensure the ceremony goes as planned. A cremation simplifies all these details. You can choose to have a viewing for the body, but it does not have to be present for the service. You will not need to purchase a casket or tombstone, and a memorial service can be held after the cremation has already occurred.

3. It’s an Environmentally Friendly Solution

Cremations also offer a practical, environmentally friendly solution to handling the remains of the deceased. As the earth’s population continues to grow, space for cemeteries and burial plots will become limited. A cremation allows you to avoid this issue while still honoring your loved one.

For help pre-planning your or a loved one’s funeral, contact Fossum Funeral Home at (608) 783-9777. To learn more about the cremation and memorial services available there, visit them online.