The loss of a loved one is always an emotional and painful period. Honoring and respecting their memory during such times often becomes part of the grieving process. The two most common methods of dealing with remains are cremation and burial at Oklahoma City funeral homes. Knowing the differences between them can help families make informed decisions.
The families should consider the handling process, cost, environmental impact, religious beliefs, memorialization options, and planning flexibility regarding cremation or burial. Each alternative has aspects that may reflect the deceased’s values and wishes.
What are the Differences Between Cremation and Burial in Oklahoma City Funeral Homes?
Here are the key differences to consider before making a decision.
Process of Handling the Body
Cremation:
The process involves exposing the human body to hot heat in a cremation chamber. The heat reduces the body into ashes and bone fragments, usually taking two to three hours. The remains are then processed into a fine powder known as cremains.
Burial:
Conventional burial may involve embalming the body, placing it in a casket, and burial in a plot. Most bodies are preserved temporarily to stop decomposition. Typically, a body is placed in a cemetery; however, some may opt for a different burial site. The cemetery is the final resting place of the dead.
Cost Considerations
Cremation:
Cremation is often less expensive than a traditional burial. Families can choose a columbarium niche, urn, or memorial service. These are usually lower priced than those involved in burial. Depending on the location and services chosen, cremation may range in price between $1,000 and $3,000.
Burial:
Traditional burials at funeral homes may be much more costly. There are added costs for embalming, the purchase of a casket, and the acquisition of a cemetery plot. Sometimes, a headstone or grave marker placement will be added to the bill. Depending on the services and materials, these may range from $7,000 to $12,000.
Environmental Impact
Cremation:
Cremation at funeral homes in Oklahoma City doesn’t require land for a cemetery plot, but burning produces emissions. Some crematories are addressing this issue by adopting the practice of “water cremation” (alkaline hydrolysis), which is being promoted for its lower ecological footprint.
Burial:
Traditional burial also has environmental impacts. The embalming fluids used during traditional burial might seep into the soil and alter some ecosystems. Coffins are made of hardwood or metal, and land needs to be set aside for burial plots that consume natural resources.
Religious and Cultural Beliefs
Cremation
Many Eastern religions favor cremation because it happens to be the way their creed demands. Over time, many Christian communities have grown more accepting of cremation, especially in areas with limited burial space.
Burial
Burial remains the preferred choice for many, particularly in religions like Judaism and Islam. It is considered a gesture of respect toward the deceased. Many consider that the body must remain intact for resurrection in the afterlife.
Flexibility in Memorialization Options
Cremation:
Cremation offers families a variety of ways to memorialize their loved ones. The ashes can be scattered in a meaningful location, placed in an urn, interred in a columbarium, or even incorporated into jewelry or artwork.
Burial:
Burial may lead to an eternal location, a site of memorialization and visitation. Loved ones may desire a specific location to memorialize the deceased with flowers, sitting nearby, or other reflection methods.
Timing and Planning Flexibility
Cremation:
Cremation gives the family flexibility in scheduling the funeral or memorial service. As the cremation process does not involve embalming the body of the deceased or immediate burial, the family can set a date that matches them so a memorial service can be held. This can be especially useful when loved ones may need to travel some distance.
Burial:
Burial is likelier to follow a relatively short service schedule, especially if embalming is not chosen. The body needs to be prepared and buried in as short a time as possible, which sometimes causes scheduling conflicts, especially if the family is spread across the country.
Can you pre-plan a burial and cremation?
Burial and cremation can be pre-planned. This can ease the burden on surviving family members by ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are clearly defined in advance.
When is embalming required?
Embalming typically occurs if there is a delay between death and burial. It can be performed in circumstances of decomposition or when lengthy transport is necessary over the body. In certain cases, embalming may be required by law, especially for public viewings or lengthy transportation.
Can insurance cover the cremation and burial expenses?
Yes, many insurance policies can cover cremation and burial expenses, particularly funeral or life insurance policies that include death benefits. However, it’s essential to review specific policy details, as coverage may vary based on the terms and conditions set by the insurer.
Conclusion
When deciding on cremation and burial in Oklahoma City funeral homes, families must consider the procedure, costs, environmental impact, religious obligations, memorialization, and planning flexibility. All of these options have unique aspects that will reflect the deceased’s values and wishes.
