If you’re preplanning your funeral, there are many decisions you’ll have to make. One of the most important aspects involves choosing between a traditional burial and cremation. If you can’t tell which is right for you, this guide offers a helpful comparison to aid in your decision. 

Burial

For those who opt for a traditional burial, the body remains intact after passing. Your body will go through an embalming process that decreases the rate of decomposition. This will allow for a traditional viewing or wake.

You’ll need to determine where your casket will go if you choose to be buried after the funeral. Some people opt for a family plot or mausoleum, while others prefer a single burial plot. You’ll have the opportunity to select what kind of headstone you want, including the material, size, and markings.

Many people opt for a traditional burial because it allows their families to visit and memorialize their legacy. Others opt for this choice due to religious beliefs. For example, Judaism places a heavy emphasis on burying a body rather than cremating it.

Cremation

If you prefer to have a bit more flexibility with your preplanning arrangements, cremation might be a better solution. During the process, the body is incinerated and turned to ash. The ashes are then given to the surviving loved ones.

You can allow your family members to decide what to do with the cremains. However, if you prefer to have them handled a certain way, you can include those wishes in the preplanning documents. For example, you might want your loved ones to keep the ashes in an urn, turn them into a piece of jewelry, or scatter them at a meaningful destination.

This option is considered flexible because the cremains can be split up, allowing family members to handle them in a variety of ways at once. It’s also environmentally friendly because it doesn’t take up land.

If you want to preplan your funeral arrangements, turn to the compassionate team at Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford, CT. For over 100 years, the team has worked with families throughout the area to create beautiful, touching memorials for lost loved ones. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (203) 375-2200 to speak with a team member.