The two main types of funeral are burial and cremation. Your loved one may have left specific instructions for which they would prefer or it may be a choice that’s made by their family.
Burial
A burial is the placement of the deceased person into a grave in the ground. There are two options:
- A traditional burial in which there is a burial at the grave site. This may also include a viewing of the loved one at the funeral home, religious venue, or other location and/or a funeral ceremony such as a church service.
- A direct burial in which the loved one is buried shortly after death without a funeral service or other formal ceremony. The funeral home organises the required documentation, prepares the body, and arranges transportation to the cemetery for burial. This is the most affordable burial choice.
Cremation
Cremation uses intense heat to convert the body of the deceased into ashes. The cost is usually less than a burial but please check with your funeral director for details. There are also two cremation options:
- A full-service cremation which may involve a viewing of your loved one followed by a formal ceremony, part of which will be the cremation itself.
- A direct cremation in which the loved one is cremated soon after death and there is no formal ceremony, but there may be a viewing. A memorial service can be arranged at any time afterwards that is appropriate for friends and family. This is a lower cost and least fuss alternative.
We can help
If you would like to know more about what is involved in the burial or cremation process, please get in touch. We can review each of the options with you and help you to make an informed decision.
