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Deciding now what to do with your remains takes the burden off of surviving family members in a time of grief. They can also take comfort in knowing they’re following your wishes. Both cremation and traditional burial offer various distinct benefits. To help decide between the two, here is a closer look at each.

Cremation

Cremation is less expensive than traditional burial, as the body does not need to be embalmed for preservation in the ground. It is possible, however, to have the body present at a visitation or funeral service for people to pay their respects.

Once the body is incinerated, the ashes can be scattered, kept in an urn, placed in a niche, or buried in the ground. Surviving loved ones can also divide the remains into smaller urns to keep with them. This is often preferred when family members live in various locations and can’t visit the cemetery often. Many people also choose cremation so that they don’t take up space in the ground that can be used for building or planting.

Burial

cremationIn a traditional burial, embalming and buying a casket make this option a bit more costly. However, everyone who knew the deceased has a location to visit and pay their respects during holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. To that end, people often place tombstones and funerary statues at the grave to pay tribute to their loved one. As an alternative to being buried in the ground, the body can also be placed in a mausoleum following the funeral or before the memorial service.

 

If you’ve lost a relative or are interested in funeral preplanning for yourself, contact the staff at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. The funeral directors have been helping families throughout central Wisconsin honor their loved ones since 1953. As certified crematory operators, they can assist with cremation or handle traditional burials. Their commitment to families has earned the funeral home the National Funeral Directors Association’s Pursuit of Excellence Award. Call (715) 423-5460 to discuss making funeral arrangements. Find answers to common questions online and event announcements on Facebook.

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