While many people choose cremation services in St. Peters, MO, because of their affordability, it’s not the only factor that determines the right disposition method. For those who want a permanent place loved ones can visit, burial may be the better option. 

Both options have pros and cons, and choosing one often comes down to evaluating several factors. By balancing each one against your wishes, you’re better placed to decide which method suits your family. 

We explain some of the most critical ones below. 

Religious Beliefs 

Although many major religions have okayed cremation for their adherents, many still encourage having a proper burial. And in the case of Muslims, cremation is outrightly forbidden. 

Hence, when deciding between cremation or burial, questions like “what does your religion say?” and “how religious are you? or was the deceased” are important. These questions are particularly vital to ask if you’re deciding on the deceased’s behalf. 

Suppose you’re not sure of how much importance you should give religion in your decision-making. In that case, we advise talking to your or the deceased’s religious leader for guidance. 

Cultural Preferences 

Likewise, culture matters. While many cultures believe it’s more respectable to bury the dead, some cultures, like Hindus, believe cremation is better and even require it. There’s no right or wrong answer, only what’s acceptable in your community. 

But you should know that the disposition method has no bearing on how the body is treated. Contrary to the internal logic of cultures that choose one over the other, there’s no difference in how professionals treat the body. 

Whether it’s burial or cremation, funeral homes treat all bodies with the utmost respect and care, regardless of their background and culture. 

Costs 

As mentioned earlier, money is the deciding factor for many people. Still, like the choice itself, there are nuances to consider. Cremation is not necessarily less expensive than a burial. 

For example, a traditional cremation, a full-service funeral, costs more than a direct burial. But a direct burial is more expensive than direct cremation. In the end, it depends on the cremation service 

Environmental Impact 

Although conventional belief says cremation is environmentally friendlier than burial, the truth is not so straightforward. A green or natural burial is better for the environment than flame-based cremation. 

However, aquamation (water-based cremation) has a similar level of impact and is outrightly better than a traditional burial that involves embalming fluids and metal/wood caskets. 

Degree of Personalization 

Burial and cremation are both suited for personalization but in different ways and in varying degrees. For instance, you can customize a casket, but the body still has to be buried in a cemetery. 

But with cremation, the ashes can be scattered or stored anywhere and transformed into different objects. You can also split the ashes among family members, which you can’t do with the body. 

These are some factors worth considering when deciding on the final disposition method. The right choice ultimately comes down to weighing each factor based on what’s most important to you and your family. 

Whatever method you choose, the most important thing is to have the funeral in a way that best honors the deceased’s memory. 

And if you choose cremation and need cremation services in St. Peters, MO, contact us. We provide dignified cremation to everyone. Call us now if you’ve suffered a loss and need a caring service to help with arrangements. We’re here to help.