Choosing between a cremation vs a burial in Australia when a loved one passes is a very important, personal decision. In Melbourne, both options are widely accepted and available; however, there are many things to consider, including practical, financial, environmental and emotional elements. In this guide, we will discuss the differences between cremations and burials, as well as key factors to consider before making your final selection. Following this, we hope you will be able to make an informed decision regarding the final send-off that your loved one deserves.
Cremations In Australia
A cremation is the process of burning the body at extremely high temperatures, until only ash remains. This happens at a crematorium, which is usually located near or within a cemetery. The ashes are then put into an urn for family members to keep, scatter or store at a place of their choosing.
Burials In Australia
A burial includes placing the body in a coffin or casket, which is then lowered into the ground in a designated plot within a cemetery. A graveside service usually takes place here and a headstone with details of the deceased are shared. Families and friends can then return to the resting place whenever they like, to mourn, grieve, talk or just spend time with their lost person. People also often leave flowers or special mementoes by their side as a token of their love.
Cremation vs Burial: Factors That Affect Your Decision
There are many reasons why individuals may prefer to choose one service over the other. Let’s delve deeper into cremations vs burials in Australia:
- Location
An element that may affect your choice is the location of the service. Have any of your family members or loved one’s funerals been at a particular setting? Some families prefer to have each member buried or cremated at the same location. In Melbourne, there are many cemeteries located across the city, as well as multiple crematoriums that are situated nearby, making either option an accessible choice for families and attendees.
- Cost
The cost of burial vs cremation in Australia is also another big factor that can affect decision-making. On the whole, cremations are typically less expensive than burials, especially if you choose not to have a formal service alongside this. Burials come with extra fees such as the cost of the plot, the headstone, and in some cases, ongoing maintenance expenses.
- Cultural factors
As Melbourne is a multicultural community, it respects a wide variety of customs, faiths and family traditions. Some religions, including Islam, Judaism and some branches of Christianity, do not allow cremations. Alternatively, Hindus often choose to be cremated due to their strong belief in reincarnation. Therefore, it is wise to consider cultural differences and options before making your decision.
- Environmental considerations
Another influence on cremation vs burial in Australia is the environmental impact of the service. Of course, neither option is completely ‘green’ as there are positive and negative elements to both sides. Cremations require a lot of power to create the extremely high temperatures that cremate the body, and this causes a fair amount of pollution. On the other hand, burials take up a lot of land, which disturbs nearby vegetation and wildlife. Additionally, the chemicals used to preserve the body can escape during the decomposing process, which has been known to pollute water supplies. There are, however, ways to be more ethically conscious during burials, and this includes biodegradable coffins.
- Individual preference
Perhaps your loved one has discussed their wishes before they passed? If so, this makes for an easy choice. If not, have you thought about what sort of funeral they would like, or aspects that you would prefer? For example, burials are a more traditional choice, which is preferred by some, and friends and family can come to visit the final place of rest. Otherwise, it is a comfort for some to spread the ashes of their lost loved one with the important people in their lives. Some even choose to split the ashes, so each person can take home as a beloved keepsake.
Cremation vs Burial in Melbourne: Final Thoughts
Choosing to have your loved one buried or cremated is a highly personal and emotive decision. Many elements will affect a family’s decision, and there is, of course, no right or wrong answer. Aspects such as religious beliefs, environmental factors, cost and personal preference all play a part in choosing how to say goodbye to that special someone. But no matter what option you choose, we know that you will have your loved one’s best interests in mind, and they will be proud of the efforts that you have gone to, to make their parting memory one to be remembered and celebrated.