The passing of a loved one is something that every family faces at some point. But even though death is a certainty, it is always a shock when it occurs, especially if the deceased died without leaving instructions for their final arrangements. Then, in addition to dealing with their own grief, those left behind must also try to create a final farewell that is worthy of their loved one while also meeting more practical needs, such as those relating to cost or time issues.

If you are faced with making the final arrangements for a loved one and must decide between a traditional funeral service followed by burial or a cremation, here are three situations in which cremation may be the optimal choice. 

Timing issues

The first reason to choose cremation over a more traditional funeral service followed by burial is if there are timing issues. If family members and friends who live far away plan to attend the service but travel times or health issues will delay their arrival, opting for cremation followed by a memorial service at a later, mutually agreeable date can be helpful for allowing all those who loved the deceased to gather in their honor. 

Cost challenges

Another very good reason to consider cremation is when the costs of traditional arrangements will be a hardship or impossible for the family of the deceased to manage. Cremation continues to cost several thousand dollars less than that of traditional arrangements that include a funeral service and interment. Choosing cremation can help families who are already dealing with the emotional loss of a loved one cope more easily with the costs involved in saying a final goodbye. 

Environmental concerns 

If your loved one was actively concerned about the environment, it is natural to also consider those concerns when making their final arrangements. In many cemeteries around the world, space has become very limited for traditional interments, and some no longer have vacant lots available. 

Burial also means that future generations will be tasked with caring for the cemeteries, requiring expenditures of both fuel and labor. Opting for cremation does not require burial space in a cemetery, and there are no future grounds maintenance issues to worry about. 

To learn more about cremation versus a traditional funeral service and to get an itemized statement of all costs involved, as set forth by the Funeral Rule, families can speak with a cremation services provider. By exploring both types of final arrangements, families can more easily make the arrangements that are best for their loved one and situation.