Choosing Burial or Cremation

Cremation less expensive (£2,000-£5,000) than burial (£4,000-£8,000+ including plot/headstone). Consider deceased's wishes, religious beliefs (Islam/Judaism require burial, Sikhism prefers cremation), cost, memorial preferences (burial = permanent grave, cremation = flexible ashes). Cremation more common in UK (78%). Both allow meaningful services. Check will, discuss with family, consult religious leader.

• Cremation £2,000-£5,000: Includes crematorium service (£700-£1,200), simple coffin (£200-£600), funeral director fees (£1,000-£2,000), doctor fees (£164)—ashes returned to family for keeping, scattering, or interment
• Burial £4,000-£8,000+: Burial plot (£1,000-£3,000), coffin (£400-£1,500), funeral director (£1,500-£2,500), headstone (£500-£2,000), ongoing grave maintenance—permanent grave site with memorial
• Religious considerations vary: Islam/Judaism require burial (cremation prohibited), Christianity allows both (traditional preference burial), Hinduism allows both (cremation more common), Sikhism strongly prefers cremation—consult religious leader for guidance
• Deceased's wishes paramount: Check will for funeral wishes, ask family if deceased verbally expressed preference, consider pre-paid funeral plans indicating choice—legally and morally their decision matters most
• Memorial flexibility differences: Burial = permanent grave to visit regularly (fixed location), cremation = scatter ashes in meaningful place, keep at home, inter in cemetery plot or columbarium, divide among family—more options
• Environmental impact differs: Burial uses land permanently (1-2 sqm per grave), no emissions but land use concern. Cremation uses energy (carbon emissions ~160kg CO2), but less land. Natural/woodland burial and bio-cremation emerging eco-options