When planning your funeral, deciding between cremation and burial is a deeply personal choice influenced by factors like religious beliefs, environmental concerns, and financial considerations. The latest data from SunLife's 2025 Cost of Dying report highlights the rising costs of funerals, making it more important than ever to plan ahead. Here at The Farewell Guide, we provide a comprehensive and easy-to-use tool to help you create a funeral plan that reflects your wishes, ensuring peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Which is Right for You — Cremation or Burial?
According to SunLife's 2025 report, funeral costs have continued to rise, with the average cost of a simple attended funeral reaching £4,285—a 3.5% increase from the previous year. Direct cremations are a more affordable alternative, averaging £1,597, and they continue to be a popular choice for many.
Like your other funeral wishes, the decision between cremation and burial can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as religious beliefs, affordability, environmental impact, and the desire for a place of remembrance. Here’s how you can make an informed choice:
1. Religious Beliefs
Your religious beliefs can play a significant role in deciding between cremation or burial. Many religions have specific practices that influence the type of funeral service, so it’s important to reflect these beliefs in your plan. Whether you prefer a traditional burial or a cremation, The Farewell Guide allows you to document these preferences and share them with your loved ones.
2. Affordability
The rising costs of funerals can be overwhelming, but making a plan in advance can help manage expenses. With the average cost of a burial higher than a cremation, many people are opting for direct cremations as a more affordable option. At The Farewell Guide, you can compare costs and services from different funeral directors to find the option that best suits your budget. By using our comparison tool, you can choose between different types of funerals, ensuring your plan fits your financial situation.
3. Environmental Considerations
If environmental sustainability is important to you, it’s worth considering the ecological impact of both cremation and burial. Cremation releases CO₂ emissions, while traditional burials can have environmental effects due to the materials used. However, green funerals—which use biodegradable materials and take place in natural burial sites—are becoming more popular. The Farewell Guide offers a simple way to include your environmental preferences in your funeral plan, such as opting for a green burial or cremation, and selecting eco-friendly options that align with your values.
4. A Place to Visit
For many people, having a special place to visit after the funeral can be an important aspect of their plan. If you want your loved ones to have a place to remember you, a traditional burial may be the best option, as it allows for a marked grave. However, cremation also provides flexibility, with options for memorializing ashes in meaningful places or keepsakes. With The Farewell Guide, you can specify the location where you’d like your ashes to be scattered or stored, ensuring your memorial wishes are clearly communicated to your family.
Why Choose The Farewell Guide?
The Farewell Guide makes it simple to create and store your funeral plan in one secure place. Whether you're considering cremation or burial, our bespoke planning tool allows you to document your wishes clearly and share them with your loved ones. This not only ensures that your preferences are respected but also alleviates the burden on your family during a difficult time.
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Easily compare costs of cremation and burial options across various funeral directors.
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Securely store your plan and update it as your wishes evolve.
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Communicate your decisions with family and loved ones to ensure they are carried out according to your preferences.
By making your funeral plans in advance with The Farewell Guide, you give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is in place, and your loved ones won’t have to make difficult decisions during an emotional time.
Want to know more?
Visit The Farewell Guide today to start planning your funeral, compare different services, and create a plan that’s right for you. With our easy-to-use tool, the decision between cremation and burial doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can make your wishes clear, save on costs, and ensure that your funeral reflects your values and personal preferences.
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