by Angel Sharum

Created on: August 25, 2008

People have different reasons for choosing cremation instead of traditional burial. Whatever you decide, it is a good idea to talk it over with your entire family so as to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings about the decision after you are gone. Family members may not agree with your choice of cremation, but should respect your wishes in the matter. Talking it over rationally and explaining the reason's behind the decision will help.

These are some common reasons people chose cremation instead of burial:

Cost: Traditional funerals are expensive these days. The casket, embalming, and actual service all together can run from four thousand dollars up. Sometimes this is just not possible. Cremation is a less expensive option. Cremation services can start around seven hundred dollars, which is a big difference in price.

Time: Cremation offers the ability to schedule the actual service farther out time wise than a traditional burial. With traditional burial you only have a few days to get the embalming and everything done and the funeral service completed. When a loved one's remains are cremated you can wait as long as needed, giving out of state relatives and friends time to arrive.

Space: A particular cemetery that you wish to be buried in my not have plots available for traditional burial, but has a small spot that a cremation urn would fit in.

Emotional: If a family member wants to keep their loved one close they have that option with cremation because the ashes can be kept at home in an urn.

Funeral Home: The particular funeral home you wish to use may only offer cremation services. If you've heard good things about the funeral home and are really set on it, you have to go with the options they offer.

Burial spot: If a person wishes to have their remains placed in a certain spot that is a long distance away cremation may be the best answer. An urn can be taken to a last resting place that is far away less expensively, and with much less hassle, than a casket.

As you can see, there are varied reasons to choose cremation instead of traditional burial. If you feel strongly about it, make the plans ahead of time to avoid confusion and resentment at the time of your death. It can't be stressed enough the importance of having your last wishes known. Make a will and leave it with a lawyer. Leave a family member that you trust in charge of your wishes. It's your choice to be cremated, make sure your wishes are carried out.

Learn more about this author, Angel Sharum.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.