Creating a funeral plan for yourself is one of the kindest things you can do for your family members. This way, when you pass away, your loved ones will be able to focus on grieving and will not have to make as many detailed funeral plans. However, it is not always easy to make decisions in preparation for your own funeral. One of the biggest decisions you'll need to make is whether to be cremated. There are both pros and cons to consider in this regard.
Pro: Cremation often costs less.
If you have your body cremated, you or your loved ones will not have to pay for a burial plot, which can be one of the most expensive parts of a funeral. Cremation tends to be the less expensive approach. Therefore, choosing cremation can leave more money in your estate that you can pass down to your descendants or spend on things you enjoy while you are still alive.
Con: Some religious traditions do not approve of cremation.
If your own religious traditions support cremation, then you may feel very comfortable including cremation in your funeral plans. However, if some family members practice a religion that disapproves of cremation, then they may not be comfortable with this arrangement. You'll then be expecting family members to look past their own religious beliefs to honor your wishes, which is not always easy.
Pro: Your ashes can be divided.
Chances are you will leave behind more than one person who cares about you. If you are cremated, then you can leave some of your ashes to each person on this list. For example, you could leave one-third of your ashes to each of your three kids. In this way, opting for cremation can be a way to make sure everyone you leave behind has a meaningful memento.
Con: Not all funeral homes offer cremation.
If you do opt for cremation, you will need to make sure the funeral home you are working with offers this service. Not every funeral home does. Choosing cremation will limit your choice of funeral homes. This is, of course, a bigger deal in some areas than others. You may find that all or most funeral homes in your area offer cremation, or you may find that very few do.
Consider these pros and cons when deciding whether to include cremation in your future funeral plans. Don't hesitate to talk to some family members and see how they feel about it, too. For more information on cremation, contact a professional near you.
Funerals and death make many people uncomfortable, and asking questions about funerals can seem like a faux pas. You may find yourself wondering why bodies are embalmed, or what the advantages of cremation are — but where do you find answers?
You can find them here. We are not afraid to talk about death and dying, and we seek to offer the information everyone needs to know when planning or attending a funeral. You're going to feel a deep sense of loss whenever you lose someone close to you, but being able to prepare for and attend their funeral with confidence will at least make things a little easier in your period of grief.