Deciding between burial and cremation
One of the most important choices to be made when organising a funeral is whether to be buried or a cremated. As with so many decisions involved in arranging a funeral, the choice between burial and cremation is very personal. It can be influenced by a person's religious beliefs, by concerns for the environment and more prosaically, by cost considerations.
Cremation is most popular
Less than 150 years ago, there were almost no cremations carried out in the United Kingdom but according to The Cremation Society of Great Britain, cremation is now chosen for approximately 78% of all funerals carried out across the UK.
The decline in traditional religious funeral services, reported by 56% of funeral directors surveyed by SunLife in their 'Cost of Dying Report 2024' has played a part in the falling number of burials. However, cost is probably the main driver in the increasing trend towards cremation.
According to the SunLife report, the average cost for a basic funeral in 2023 was £4,141. This headline figure is an average; taking into consideration both burial and cremation costs. Looked at separately, the average cost of a basic funeral with a cremation was £3,795, compared with an average of £5,077 for a basic funeral with a burial - a difference of more than £1,250.
Waiting times
Increased demand for cremation has meant that waiting times for cremations have lengthened and, in some areas, can be as long as three weeks. For some people, the answer to lengthy waiting times is direct cremation.
A direct cremation doesn't involve a funeral service, and without scheduling considerations, the funeral director has much greater flexibility in arranging a time and place for the cremation.
A direct cremation, or unattended funeral, is a more affordable option when compared with a traditional funeral. By not having a funeral service, there may be less need for an expensive coffin, flowers, cars or even an order of service. As direct cremation normally takes place soon after death, there may also be no requirement for embalming or viewing, unless requested by the family.
This, combined with the absence of a funeral service, can make a direct cremation a more affordable option. As outlined in the SunLife 'Cost of Dying Report 2024', the average cost of a direct cremation in the UK is £1,498, which makes it over £2,000 less than a standard cremation.
Burial
A traditional burial service can be held in a religious venue, funeral home, or graveside and often includes tributes, prayers, readings and music that reflect the beliefs and preferences of the deceased and their family. Following the service, the deceased's coffin is lowered into the grave and committed to the ground at the burial site.
At an average cost of £5,077 in 2023, a basic burial is one of the most expensive funeral options. The costs for a burial funeral can include those such as the funeral director's services, coffin and transportation of the deceased but other, additional costs should also be considered, including fees for the burial plot, memorial headstone and potential ongoing maintenance of the gravesite.
In recent years, a direct burial has also become an option for those who would prefer a simplified burial, without a funeral service or friends, family and loved ones in attendance. At an average cost of £1,657, a direct burial can be a more affordable option when compared with a basic traditional funeral.
Regional differences
Over the last 20 years, funeral costs have increased nationally by 126%. However, this average doesn't acknowledge significant variations in the cost of cremations and burials in different parts of the UK.
According to SunLife's 'Cost of Dying Report 2024', the cost of a funeral can vary up to 59% depending on the region; with Northern Ireland being the most affordable area and London the most expensive.
Cost considerations aside, the choice between burial or cremation is still a personal preference for many people. Religious considerations can play a part, especially for people of strong Muslim or Jewish faith, where burial is significant. Some people may also want the comfort of a clearly marked grave in a familiar churchyard as the final resting place of their loved one.
Environmental considerations
One other factor that's said to have influenced the growing popularity of cremations is the argument that cremations can be more environmentally friendly than a traditional burial. However, this isn't as straight forward as it may seem. Although cremation doesn't involve land use, there are other considerations which make it less environmentally friendly than it might first appear, from fuel usage to the release of chemicals into the environment.
Woodland burial, avoiding the use of the chemicals used in embalming and generally requiring a biodegradable coffin or shroud, is an increasingly popular and a more environmentally friendly alternative to both traditional burial and cremation. Headstones are replaced by trees and flowers, with the entire wood serving as a memorial for loved ones.
From the first natural burial site opening over 30 years ago in the North of England, there are now more than 250 locations across the country. And, despite a general fall in the number of burials, it's likely that the number of woodland burials in the UK will rise as concern for the environment grows.
The final decision
The choice between burial and cremation is a very personal one, but if you're organising a funeral and you haven't been left instructions, or didn't know your loved one's preferences, there are a few things worth considering to help you decide.
Think about how you want to remember your loved one. A burial gives family and friends a very traditional spot to visit, whilst cremation gives you the flexibility to keep or scatter the ashes in a place that means something personally to you and/or the deceased. If cost is your main concern, then direct burial, cremation or even direct cremation are strong options. However, if protecting the environment is your primary goal, then it may be worth talking to your local funeral director about woodland burial options near you.