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When it comes to planning a cremation service, there are many options to consider. Our goal is to help you make the best decision for you.
Today's families are concerned with many complex issues: how cremation affects the environment (especially when compared to traditional burial), personal finances and faith being amongst the top three. These are some of the top trends we are seeing with families when discussing cremation services.
TOP 3 REASONS PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING CREMATION
2021 NFDA CONSUMER AWARENESS & PREFERENCES SURVEY
41%
More Cost Effective
26%
Personal Preference/Family Tradition
13%
More Convenient/Easier
Why Choose Cremation?
Everyone has their own personal reasons for choosing cremation.
Cremation Costs are Only One Reason
People are on the more
- 41% of Americans live in a state in which they were not born. (source: Funeralocity) Because of the increased mobility in our society, people are choosing an option that doesn’t tie them down to a specific cemetery or location where their family may not be in the future. People are on the move. They are migrating to new cities for retirement, spending more time in their "new" cities. Often, these individuals do not request that their body be “repatriated” to their birth city. Cremation allows the deceased to be flexible to move with a loved one when they relocate.
Religious restrictions are diminishing
- Given the religious, ethnic, and regional diversity among us, there are many other reasons for the dramatic rise in the number of cremations performed each year. According to Tyler Mathisen of NBC, one of those reasons "is the softening of the Catholic Church's views of the practice. For centuries—until 1963, in fact—the church outlawed it. The Church's laws still express a preference for burial. But the outright ban is a thing of the past."
Cremation allows a family the flexibility
they may need in planning and preparing for a memorial service, celebration-of-life, or a scattering ceremony. While the cremation process can occur almost immediately (once all the proper paperwork is complete), the decisions required in planning a meaningful memorial for a loved one can be made in a relaxed, rational way.
Concern for the environment
ranks high among many who choose cremation. "Not taking up cemetery space" was the fourth most popular response for reasons to choose cremation in the NFDA survey. Casketed and embalmed remains take up cemetery space and can pollute the ground water.
Other Reasons (Identified in NFDA's 2021 Consumer Awareness & Preferences Survey)
- People desire for their cremated remains to be scattered.
- Some people feel uneasy about being buried in the ground and don't want people to have to visit them at a cemetery.
- Some families want to divide the remains among family members.
- Some people desire to donate their body to science and have the cremation cost covered.
Growing interest in "Green" or "Eco Friendly" funeral options
Why are Consumers interested?
- 33% Because of potential environmental benefits.
- 19% Potential cost savings for the services.
Where do you prefer your cremains are placed?
2021 NFDA Consumer Awareness & Preferences Survey
44% Scatter in a sentimental place
15% Bury or inter them at a cemetery
15% No preference
14% Keep them in an urn at home
4% Split among relatives
8% Other
What is Cremation?
Part of making funeral arrangements on behalf of a loved one involves choosing between burial or cremation. Certainly this is a big decision, based on any number of factors: religious or spiritual beliefs, finances, or ecological awareness are just some of the reasons we've heard for choosing cremation. Before you can make the choice, you need to know exactly what it is you're considering. You can learn the basics below, however, if the content here raises additional questions for you, please give us a call. One of our cremation specialists will address any of your inquiries or concerns.
Are You Ready to Talk About Cremation?
We want you to know that no matter your reasons for choosing cremation, we're here to help you explore your options. When you're ready, call us to set an appointment or simply drop by our office. You can also send us an email via our online contact us form.
Sources:
- What is Cremation, Cremation Association of North America
- Founder of Funeralocity.com
- Mathisen, Tyler, "Cremation is the Hottest Trend in the Funeral Industry"
- NFDA's 2021 Consumer Awareness & Preferences Survey
