It’s no secret that traditional burial plots are expensive these days. Rising costs are one of the reasons cremation is now more common than burial, but there’s an interesting twist. According to reports from the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), around 25% of families bury the cremated remains of a loved one.
Some may question why families would bury a loved one’s cremated remains rather than just do a traditional burial. There are a lot of reasons why families choose this route:
- It could be a matter of practicality if arrangements have to be made long distance.
- Cost could be a factor since traditional burials are $7,848 on average.
- It could be for ecological reasons since cremation has less of an impact on the environment.
- The family may not like the idea of putting a loved one’s body in the ground.
- It was the preference of the deceased.
- Religious reasons, such as Catholicism that allows cremation only if the remains are buried in a cemetery or kept in a columbarium.
If you’ve had to arrange a conventional funeral you’ll quickly realize plots for burying cremated remains aren’t quite the same as a traditional burial plot.
Traditional Burial Plots Are More Expensive
The most noticeable difference between traditional burial plots and cremation burial plots is the price. A traditional burial plot is going to be more expensive. Burial plots for cremated remains start at $350 for space in a public cemetery but can be as much as $2,500 in a private cemetery. However, a plot for a traditional burial with a casket ranges from $525 to $5,000.
There’s a Significant Size Difference
Part of the reason cremation burial plots are less expensive is because they are usually smaller. A lot less space is needed for an urn compared to a casket. And the limited need for space is part of the reason why cremation burial is more eco-friendly as well.
More Than One Urn Can Go in a Cremation Burial Plot
Even though the burial plots are much smaller, you can still use it as a final resting place for more than one urn. Fitting multiple urns in isn’t too difficult, especially if you plan in advance when the grave is first dug. There’s also the possibility of buying a regular burial plot with the intention of using it for several cremation burials.
It may also be possible to bury cremains in an existing grave with a casket or other urns. You’ll have to discuss the possibility with the cemetery and be prepared to pay fees for opening and closing the grave.
Cremation Plots Are in a Designated Part of the Cemetery
Cemeteries will have a special designated spot for the cremated remains. In some cemeteries this area may not be very large, which could affect the price. But as cremation becomes more common, cemeteries will begin allocating more space for cremation burial plots.
There’s More Variety With Cremation Burial Plots
Traditional burials are limited to cemeteries or home burials if the state allows it. Cremated remains can also be buried at a cemetery or at home, but those aren’t the only two options. Many larger cities now have memorial gardens that are specifically for burying cremated remains.
With Direct Cremate you can save money on the cremation service so that your family can put more toward memorializing your loved one after the cremation is complete. Call, text or email to learn more about what can be done with cremated remains or to make cremation arrangements.