There are many differences when it comes to burial or cremation services in Columbia, MD. without the proper knowledge, you might choose one when the other one would have been more appropriate for the situation. Understanding the difference between the two is essential, so here’s more information on what makes them unique.
Different Processes
The way an individual is going to be laid to rest is a very personal decision, and if there was no preplanning in place, it will be up to the friends or family members to choose.
Cremation: cremation is when the deceased’s body is brought to the facility and prepared for the process of cleaning and dressing. They are then placed into a casket made for the process and incinerated. This takes anywhere from two to three hours, and once it is completed, they are returned to their loved ones.
Burial: Burial is a slow process where the remains decompose in the earth inside a plot in a cemetery or natural setting. This process takes much longer due to the extra details, which can include hiring staff, picking out flowers, and planning any specific events that you might want to have taken place. Once that is completed, the burial and the memorial need to be organized.
Cost Variations
Cremation: Cremation is a more cost-effective way to go for the process between the two. The average price is around $2400 for a standard service, but some companies offer direct cremation, which is more affordable than this. There are a few other things that could be included with the cremation that could bring the price up, which are:
- Facility rentals for a visitation
- Any decorations or floral arrangements
- Choosing to have a viewing before the cremation
Burial: The cost of a traditional burial is around $8000 but depending on the extravagance of the casket you choose and any extra details, this can dramatically increase the price. The burials might need to include things like:
- Hearse rental
- Headstone
- Embalming the body
- Hiring staff
Environmental Impacts
There are just a few other things to consider, like the environmental impact. With cremation, the incineration process does emit some elements into the air, such as carbon monoxide. With a burial, situations like the embalming fluid could leach into the soil, and you want to consider how much space the casket and coffin will take up in the ground.
Choosing the Right Course for Your Loved One 
When it comes to making a decision, whether it’s preplanning or laying a loved one to rest, you want to make sure that the choice feels appropriate for the individual. Trying to plan funeral or cremation services in Columbia, MD, might feel like a confusing task have the talk of a lifetime, especially if you’ve never had to go through it before, so you want to find a company that can help you through the process from start to finish. We focus on creating an event that is truly memorable for your loved one, so if you’d like more information or need to schedule an appointment, give us a call today to get started or check out our community outreach for more information.