Choosing between burial and cremation

One of the most important decisions to make when planning a funeral is choosing between burial and cremation. The choice for some may be straightforward, but for others, this decision can feel overwhelming. Understanding the differences between burial and cremation can help you make a decision that feels right for you or reflects the wishes of your loved one.

In this blog, we’ll explain the key differences between burial and cremation and explore the factors you should consider so you feel more informed when making funeral arrangements.

Is it better to be cremated or buried?

There is no single answer to whether it is better to be cremated or buried; the right choice depends on personal wishes, religious or cultural beliefs, family preferences, and practical considerations such as cost and location. 

Some people choose burial because it provides a permanent place to visit and feels connected to tradition. Others choose cremation because it offers greater flexibility for memorials and the final resting place of ashes. Both burial and cremation provide a respectful way to say goodbye, but they each offer different benefits.

If you’re deciding between burial and cremation, comparing the two options side by side can help you understand the key differences.

When deciding between burial and cremation, many may find it helpful to understand what actually happens during each type of funeral. Knowing what to expect can make the decision feel less overwhelming and help you choose the option that feels most appropriate for you or your loved one.

What happens at a burial?

A burial involves laying a loved one to rest in a grave or burial plot. Before the burial takes place, there is usually a funeral service where family and friends come together to remember, celebrate, and say goodbye. This service can be held at a place of worship, a funeral home, a cemetery chapel, or another meaningful location.

After the service, the coffin is taken to the cemetery for the burial. Family and friends may gather at the graveside for a short committal service, which can include readings, prayers, music, or a few final words. The coffin is then lowered into the grave, traditionally by family members, and those attending may choose to place flowers or handfuls of soil on the coffin as a final farewell.

Following the burial, loved ones typically hold a wake, which acts as a chance to spend time together to reflect and share memories. The grave can become a lasting place to visit, remember, and pay respects, with the option of adding a personalised headstone at a later date.

What happens at a cremation?

A cremation also begins with a funeral service, giving family and friends the opportunity to gather, celebrate a loved one’s life, and say their goodbyes. The service can take place at a crematorium chapel, a place of worship, or another chosen venue, depending on personal wishes and beliefs.

At the end of the service, the coffin is respectfully taken into the crematory. This may happen behind a curtain or through doors, although some families choose to have the service end before this takes place. The cremation itself is carried out with dignity and care by trained professionals, following strict procedures to ensure each person is individually cared for throughout the process.

After the cremation, the ashes are returned to the family in an urn or container. They can then decide what feels right for them, whether that’s keeping the ashes at home, scattering them in a meaningful place (where permitted), placing them in a cemetery or memorial garden, or interring them in a family grave. If the family does not wish to collect the ashes, many funeral homes will offer to directly scatter them in their memory garden. Keep in mind that there are laws on scattering ashes in the UK, which we go into more detail about in our blog, so it’s important to check the permissions of the place you choose beforehand.

There is also the option to have a direct cremation, where no service takes place and no friends or family attend the crematorium. Some people prefer this as it means they do not have to face the difficult part of the service where the coffin is removed from sight, and it can be a way to keep costs down when planning a funeral.

Can I change my mind after making funeral plans?

Yes, in most cases you can change your mind on whether you want a burial or cremation after making funeral plans. Whether you’re planning a funeral for a loved one, or for yourself, It’s completely natural for preferences to evolve over time, whether personal circumstances, beliefs or wishes change. If you’ve already decided on burial or cremation but later feel a different option would be more suitable, it’s often possible to update your plans.

If you have a pre-paid funeral plan, the changes you can make will depend on the terms of your plan and the funeral provider. Many providers allow you to amend details such as your funeral preferences, service choices or personal requests, although there may be additional costs if the changes affect the overall value of the plan.

If you have created your own funeral plan, it’s a good idea to review it every few years or after significant life events to keep plans up to date. This helps ensure your wishes are clearly recorded and gives your loved ones confidence that they’re carrying out the funeral you wanted.

If you’re unsure whether your plans can be changed, speak to your funeral plan provider. They’ll be able to explain your options and help you update your arrangements if needed.

Is cremation or burial more popular in the UK?

Cremation is the most common choice in the UK, with around 80% of funerals resulting in cremation. While burial remains an important option for many families, particularly for religious, cultural or personal reasons, cremation has become increasingly popular because it offers greater flexibility when it comes to memorial arrangements and the final resting place of ashes. 

Although cremation is the more common choice, popularity shouldn’t be the deciding factor. The right option is the one that reflects the wishes, beliefs, and values of the person who has died, while providing comfort to those left behind.

Which option is more environmentally friendly?

As more people consider the environmental impact of their end-of-life choices, it’s becoming increasingly common to ask whether burial or cremation is the more sustainable option. There isn’t a straightforward answer, as the environmental impact of a funeral depends on a range of factors, including how the funeral is arranged, the type of coffin chosen, transport, flowers, and the energy or natural resources used throughout the process.

Both burial and cremation have environmental considerations, but there are also ways to reduce their impact. Understanding the differences may help you make a choice that reflects both your personal wishes and your values.

What is the environmental impact of cremation?

Cremation requires very high temperatures, which means it uses a significant amount of energy, typically generated from natural gas or the burning of other fossil fuels. This process produces carbon emissions and other by-products that can negatively impact the environment, although modern crematoria continue to introduce technologies that help reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

If you’re choosing cremation and want to minimise its environmental impact, there are several options to consider. Choosing an environmentally friendly coffin or casket made from sustainable or biodegradable materials, as well as simple clothing made from natural fibres, can help reduce emissions associated with the cremation process.

What is the environmental impact of burial?

Traditional burial generally has a lower carbon footprint than cremation, but it comes with different environmental considerations. Burial requires land, and, over time, the availability of burial space can become limited. Some traditional burials also involve embalming which relies heavily on toxic chemicals which, when buried, can leach into the soil and local groundwater. Certain coffins and memorial materials are also made from materials that take many years to break down.

If burial is your preferred choice, there are ways to reduce its environmental impact. Choosing a biodegradable coffin, avoiding embalming where appropriate, or opting for a natural or woodland burial can all help create a more environmentally conscious funeral. Some families may also choose a tree or another natural memorial instead of a traditional headstone, where this is permitted.

There is no universally “greener” option. The most environmentally friendly funeral is often one that carefully considers every aspect of the arrangements. Your funeral director can explain the choices available and help you find an approach that balances your personal wishes with your environmental priorities. If you’re curious about environmentally-friendly funerals and want to know more before making a decision, head on over to our blog ‘Is an eco-friendly or green funeral right for you?’.

Is there an alternative to burial or cremation?

While burial and cremation are the two most common funeral choices in the UK, they aren’t the only options available. If neither feels like the right fit for you or your loved one, there are several alternatives that offer a different way to honour a life while reflecting personal values, beliefs, or environmental priorities.

Some of these options are becoming increasingly popular, while others are less widely available. Your funeral director can explain what’s possible in your area and help you choose an option that aligns with your wishes.

Natural burials

Also known as green burials or woodland burials, natural burials offer an environmentally conscious alternative to a traditional burial. There are many dedicated natural burial sites across the UK, which are open to people of all faiths as well as those with no religious beliefs.

In a natural burial, the body is laid to rest using a biodegradable coffin, casket, or burial shroud, allowing it to return naturally to the earth. Embalming is generally not permitted to help reduce the environmental impact of the burial. Instead of traditional headstones, many sites also plant a tree or wildflowers to mark the plot, while some allow a simple wooden marker or memorial plaque. The aim is to preserve the natural landscape while creating a peaceful place for remembrance.

Biodegradable urns

If you choose cremation, a biodegradable urn can offer a more environmentally friendly way to lay ashes to rest. Made from natural materials that gradually break down in the soil, these urns allow ashes to be returned to the ground over time.

Some biodegradable urns are designed to support the growth of a tree or wildflowers by containing seeds and nutrients alongside the ashes. While the tree doesn’t grow from the ashes themselves, its roots develop around the resting place, creating a lasting living memorial.

Water cremation

This is also known as resomation or alkaline hydrolysis, an emerging alternative to traditional cremation and is expected to become available in the UK as legislation develops. Rather than using flames, the process uses warm water and an alkaline solution to return the body to its natural elements. The remaining bone is turned into a fine powder, which can be returned to the family in much the same way as ashes after a traditional cremation.

Water cremation uses significantly less energy than conventional cremation and has the potential to reduce carbon emissions, making it an option that may appeal to those looking for an environmentally lower-impact funeral choice once it becomes more widely available.

Memorial reefs

For those with a strong connection to the sea, a memorial reef offers a unique alternative. In this process, ashes are placed in a biodegradable urn and incorporated into a specially-designed reef structure before being carefully placed on the seabed.

Over time, the reef provides a habitat for marine life, supporting biodiversity and helping to create or expand conservation areas. Memorial reefs are currently a specialist option in the UK, with limited availability, but they can provide a meaningful and environmentally conscious tribute.

Which religions prefer burial?

Many religions have traditions or teachings that influence whether burial or cremation is preferred. While individual beliefs and family wishes can vary, burial is considered the traditional or preferred choice in several faiths.

Islam requires burial, with cremation generally prohibited. Islamic tradition places importance on burying the deceased as soon as possible, following specific religious customs and practices.

Judaism also traditionally favours burial. In Orthodox and many Conservative Jewish communities, cremation is generally discouraged or not accepted, while Reform Judaism may take a more individual approach. Burial usually takes place as soon as practical after death in accordance with Jewish customs.

Christianity has historically favoured burial, reflecting the belief in the resurrection of the body. Today, however, many Christian denominations accept both burial and cremation. While some individuals continue to prefer burial for personal or religious reasons, cremation is now a common choice among Christians in the UK.

Other religions, such as Hinduism and Sikhism, generally favour cremation rather than burial, although there are exceptions depending on individual circumstances and cultural traditions.

If faith plays an important role in your funeral wishes, it’s a good idea to speak with your religious leader or funeral director. They can help you understand any religious guidance and ensure the funeral arrangements reflect your beliefs and traditions.

Can I plan my own funeral wishes?

Planning your own funeral can give you peace of mind, while also making things easier for your loved ones when the time comes. By thinking about your wishes and preferences in advance, you can make important decisions such as whether you’d like a burial or cremation, where you’d like your funeral to take place, the type of service you’d like, and any personal touches that reflect your life and personality.

This is also a good chance for you to choose practical details, such as preferred music, readings, flowers, dress code, or charitable donations. Sharing these wishes with your family, or recording them as part of a funeral plan, can provide reassurance that your preferences are understood and respected when the time comes.

If you’d like to plan ahead, a pre-paid funeral plan can help protect your family from unexpected costs while allowing you to arrange many aspects of your funeral in advance. If you’re not sure where to start, you may find it helpful to read more about what happens during the planning process in our blog, ‘What happens at a funeral arrangement appointment?’.

Create the perfect send-off with Heart of England

We understand that making these decisions can be overwhelming and difficult, but we are here to support you through this process. If you’re struggling to decide which option is the most suitable choice, our funeral directors will be able to help you choose to help you give them the best possible send-off. If you’re ready to discuss the options available to you, contact us or book an appointment.