Funeral preplanning may seem overwhelming, but it can actually help ease the stress and burden of the future by making those decisions today. One important aspect to consider is whether you want burial or cremation services. Both options are dignified ways to preserve the life and memory of you or a loved one, but they have several key differences.

4 Facts About Cremation & Burial Services

1. Funeral Visitations

No matter whether cremation or burial is chosen, funeral visitations can be held in either case. If cremation services have been arranged, a casket can be rented for a viewing beforehand. For burial services, the purchased casket can be used for funeral visitations and can be left either closed or open, depending on your preference. 

2. Memorial Location

There are different options for memorial locations. When burial services are chosen, the casket is delivered to a selected location in a public or private cemetery. Permanent memorials are typically set up in these locations. With cremation services, however, the ashes are traditionally stored in an urn and given to a loved one. Urns can also be buried in a designated location.

3. Religious Services

Whether your funeral preplanning services include cremation or burial, neither will affect your religious wishes. Generally, most funeral homes help to arrange for the music, prayers, and the reciting of religious passages you select. On the other hand, if you wish to preplan a secular service, this can be arranged as well. 

4. Cost

Because of the aspects of the funeral services that cremation may bypass, such as the burial itself, it is a less expensive option. Since more preparatory procedures and assistance from funeral officiants, as well as a casket, are required, burial services are the more costly alternative. 

While both can be arranged with the utmost dignity and respect, there are several differences between burial and cremation funeral services. When you become interested in funeral preplanning, the professionals at Johnson Funeral Home in Monroeville, AL, are here to answer your questions with care and compassion and to help throughout this difficult process. Call (251) 575-3222 or visit the website to schedule your consultation today.