Choosing Between Burial and Cremation
A Practical Guide to Understand Your Funeral Options
One of the main decisions when arranging a funeral is whether your loved one will be buried or cremated. For some families, the choice is straightforward because the person who has died had already expressed their wishes. For others, there may be no clear instructions, and the family needs to decide what is most appropriate.
​
Both burial and cremation can be accompanied by a full funeral service, giving family and friends the opportunity to come together and pay their respects. At Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we can explain what is involved with each option, answer your questions and make all of the necessary arrangements on your behalf.
Choosing a Burial
Burial remains an important choice for many families and is often associated with family tradition, religious beliefs or the wish to have a permanent place of remembrance. Following the funeral service, the coffin is taken to the cemetery or churchyard and the person is laid to rest in their chosen burial place.
​
Having a specific place to visit can be important to families, particularly when there is an existing family grave or a long-standing connection with a particular cemetery or churchyard. If you choose a burial, we can take care of the arrangements, including liaising with the cemetery or churchyard, arranging the grave and coordinating the funeral service. Here at Clive Pugh Funeral Directors we'll explain what is involved before any arrangements are confirmed, including any requirements specific to the chosen burial ground.
Using an Existing Family Grave
If your family already has a grave, it may be possible for it to be used again. This will depend on factors such as who owns the grave, the records held by the cemetery or churchyard and whether there is sufficient space for another burial.
​
You don't necessarily need to make these enquiries yourself. We can contact the relevant cemetery or churchyard and establish what options are available. If there is an existing family grave that you'd like to consider, let us know when we discuss the funeral arrangements.
Choosing a Burial Place
If there isn't an existing family grave, we'll discuss the burial locations available to you. This could include a local cemetery, churchyard or another suitable burial ground, depending on availability and your circumstances.​
​
We'll explain the practical arrangements and any relevant requirements, including the process for reserving a grave. The availability of burial plots can vary between locations, so we'll make the necessary enquiries and advise you on the options available.
Memorials Following a Burial
A burial provides a permanent location where a memorial can be placed, subject to the rules of the cemetery or churchyard. Many families choose a headstone or memorial once the burial has taken place. An existing family memorial may also be updated with an additional inscription.
​
There is no need to make these decisions as part of the initial funeral arrangements. In many cases, families prefer to consider a memorial at a later date. When you're ready, we can explain the options available and advise you on the next steps.
Choosing a Cremation
Cremation is another option when arranging a funeral. A funeral service can take place before the cremation, allowing family and friends to attend the service and pay their respects. The arrangements can be similar to those made for a burial, including choosing the service, coffin, music, readings, flowers and funeral vehicles.​
​
Following the cremation, the ashes are returned to the family or dealt with according to the arrangements that have been made. There are a number of options for what happens afterwards. Ashes may be kept by the family, buried, placed in a memorial location or scattered somewhere appropriate. If cremation is chosen, we'll explain the process and make sure the necessary arrangements are taken care of.
What Happens to the Ashes?
Once again, there is no requirement to decide immediately what will happen to the ashes. Some families choose to keep them at home until they have decided what they would like to do. Others may choose to bury them, place them in a memorial garden or scatter them in a meaningful location.
​
If you are considering scattering ashes, it is important to check whether you need permission from the landowner or whether there are any restrictions applying to the location. If you're unsure about your options, we can explain what is involved and help you understand the arrangements available.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timescale for a funeral can vary regardless of whether you choose burial or cremation. Factors such as the registration of the death, whether the Coroner is involved, availability at the cemetery or crematorium and the wishes of the family can all affect the date of the funeral.
​
Burial arrangements may also depend on the availability of a suitable grave. We'll discuss the likely timescale with you and keep you informed as arrangements are made.
Religious and Personal Considerations
Religious or cultural beliefs may also influence whether a family chooses burial or cremation. Certain faiths have specific requirements regarding how and when a person is buried or cremated, while some families may have traditions that have been followed for generations.
​
If your loved one had particular religious or cultural wishes, tell us when we first discuss the funeral. We'll work with the appropriate minister, faith leader, cemetery, crematorium or other organisation to make sure the arrangements are understood and followed.
Considering Environmental Factors
Environmental considerations can also form part of the decision. Both burial and cremation have environmental implications, and the impact can vary depending on the specific arrangements. For example, the location and maintenance of a burial ground, the type of coffin used and the way a cremation is carried out can all be relevant to the people involved. If this is an important consideration for your family, we can explain the options available and help you understand the practical differences.
Does Burial Cost More Than Cremation?
The cost of a funeral depends on the arrangements involved rather than simply whether the funeral is a burial or cremation.
​
With a burial, there may be costs associated with the grave, cemetery or churchyard and any future memorial. Cremation arrangements have their own fees and requirements. Other elements of the funeral, such as the service, coffin, vehicles and flowers, can also affect the overall cost.
​
At Clive Pugh Funeral Directors we can explain the costs involved in the arrangements you choose before anything is confirmed. That way you know what is being arranged, as well as how much it will cost, before any arrangements are carried out.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There isn't a single answer that is right for every family. If your loved one left instructions, their wishes should be an important part of the decision. If they did not, you may want to consider family traditions, religious beliefs, whether you would like a permanent place to visit and what would be most appropriate for your circumstances.
​
It is important to keep in mind that you don't need to make any decisions without advice. At Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we'll explain both options clearly and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision.
How Clive Pugh Funeral Directors Can Help
Whether you choose burial or cremation, we take care of the practical arrangements for you. Our role is to make the process straightforward and ensure that the arrangements are carried out as agreed. This can include:
​
-
Bringing your loved one into our care.
-
Liaising with the cemetery, churchyard or crematorium.
-
Arranging the funeral service.
-
Organising the officiant or celebrant.
-
Arranging funeral vehicles.
-
Coordinating flowers and printed materials.
-
Managing the arrangements on the day of the funeral.
-
Advising on memorial options after the funeral.
​
If you're arranging a funeral and are unsure whether burial or cremation is right for your family, our team at Clive Pugh Funeral Directors can explain the options and guide you through the arrangements. There isn't any one right or wrong answer. What matters is that the arrangements reflect your loved one's wishes and are appropriate for your family. Contact us when you're ready and we'll discuss your next steps together.
With You Every Step of the Way
Date and Time
Following registration, a date and time can then be arranged.
Cremation or Burial
In many cases a loved one will have left their own specific preference. Once the decision for a cremation or burial has been made, a venue for the service and order of events can be agreed upon.
Chapel of Rest
Our private chapel is available for you to spend time with your loved one, also allowing your relatives and friends the chance to say "goodbye".
The Funeral Service
We will liaise with the Clergy, Humanist Minister or Celebrant of your choice. Alternatively, if no specific Minister is requested we can suggest a Minister who will guide you through the order of service. The readings, hymns and eulogies will all be discussed.
Coffins, Caskets and Urns
We offer a large range of traditional coffins, caskets and urns. You can choose from many different styles and we offer a range of price points. Should you want to offer a unique tribute to your loved one, ask us about our customisation options. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Vehicles
We take pride in being able to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. A horse drawn hearse is also available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to choose burial or cremation immediately?
Not necessarily. Some decisions need to be made within a particular timeframe, but we'll explain what needs to happen and when. You don't need to know everything before contacting us.
Can you arrange a burial in an existing family grave?
Potentially, yes. We'll contact the relevant cemetery or churchyard to establish whether the grave can be reopened and what arrangements are required.
Can I have a full funeral service before a cremation?
Yes. A cremation can follow a full funeral service, giving family and friends the opportunity to attend, hear readings and music and pay their respects.
Can I visit a burial place after the funeral?
Yes. One of the reasons families choose burial is to have a permanent place where they can visit and remember their loved one.
What can I do with cremated ashes?
Ashes can be kept, buried, placed in a memorial location or scattered in an appropriate place. If you are considering scattering ashes, you should check whether permission is required.
Can you help me decide between burial and cremation?
Yes. If you're unsure what would be most appropriate, we'll explain the practical differences between the two options and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision.