Funerals are an important part of the grieving process. They provide a space to mourn the loss, connect with those who share your sorrow, and honor the life of your loved one. Whether you choose a traditional burial or cremation, having a funeral service can help bring closure to those close to the deceased.

A funeral service provides an opportunity to share memories, express emotions, and offer support for those in mourning. There are many benefits to having a service, regardless of the type you choose. In Drayton Valley there are many venues to hold a service.

Cremation vs Traditional Burial: A Quick Comparison

The decision of whether to cremate or bury a person is a very personal one. When people think about pre-planning a funeral and what will happen to their bodies after they die, they often have a lot of questions about the differences between these two processes.

Look at the information below to find out what this means.

Cremation Process

The cremation process is a dignified way to honor your loved one, and it can provide comfort to family and friends who are grieving. The process typically begins with the completion of the necessary authorization forms and permits. After that, a family can gather together to say goodbye and perform any special rites of passage before the body is placed in the cremation chamber.

The chamber is heated to between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes sure that all of the remains are processed. This process usually takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the size and weight of the body. After the body parts have cooled, they are put in an urn or other container and given back to the family or taken to the cemetery.

The final resting place of the remains can be determined by the family and might include an indoor or outdoor mausoleum, a family burial plot, a cemetery urn garden, or simply being kept in the home of a loved one.

Cremation Pros:

• It costs less money.
• People you care about can keep your remains with them.
• There are no limits on time.
• Much more flexability on the dispersment of the remains.

Cremation Cons:

• Some people in the family might not be happy with the procedure.
• Differing ideas about final disposition.

Traditional Burial Process

The traditional burial process begins with bathing and disinfecting the body of the deceased. Arrangements for transportation of the body to the final resting place must be made if the decedent died out of town or if the family wishes to bury them in a different location.

Embalming isn't always necessary, and if it is,but you should discuss that with your Funeral Director. Before the burial, the family must select clothing, mementos, and posibly jewelery for the deceased before they are laid to rest.

Then, at a traditional funeral, the body is taken to the cemetery or gravesite, where an official gives a service at the graveside. The whole process is meant to give the deceaseds family just a bit of peace and closure as their loved one is laid to rest.

Traditional Burial Pros:

• People who care about you can visit your grave.
• It's easier to understand and more people are used to it.
• Families can make it more personal by picking out the casket, the headstone, and the spot where the grave will be.

Traditional Burial Cons:

• Burials are more expensive.
• There are rules at cemeteries that can limit what you can do.

Cremations vs Traditional Burial: Costs

When considering the cost of cremation vs traditional burial, cremation is usually more affordable due to fewer services being involved. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the national averages for adults were $6,970 for cremation with a viewing and memorial service and $9,420 for burial with a vault and funeral.

However, these costs can range from as low as $2,500–$3,500 on the lower end to as much as $6,000–$10,000 depending on the type of cremation and services selected. If you look into your options ahead of time, you can plan a funeral or memorial service for yourself or a loved one without spending as much. Be careful though, with the bait and switch operators. Often a very low price is offered but it does not include all the required elements of a legal cremation, and the final cost can be much higher.

Cremations are a good choice for people who want to keep costs down without giving up important memories. Additionally, cremation provides more flexibility when it comes to location, as your remains can be spread in multiple places or kept in an urn to take with you. In the end, the choice between cremation and a traditional burial is a personal one that should take into account both the wishes of the person who died and the wishes of the people who care about them.

How To Decide Whether To Cremate Or Bury?

Deciding whether to cremate or bury a loved one is ultimately a personal decision. It should take into account the deceased’s wishes, feelings, and beliefs, as well as religious and cultural factors. Cremation is often less expensive than burial because the costs of the burial plot and the opening and closing of the grave. Also, most religions allow cremation, but Orthodox Judaism, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and Islam do not.

Modern equipment for cremation has improved so that the body can be broken down into its most basic parts. The environmental concerns associated with the emission of gases released during cremations was once an issue but now with the modern equipment in crematoriums, these concerns have been dispelled.

When deciding whether to cremate or bury a loved one, here are some points to consider:

• Respect the wishes of the deceased.
• Factor in religious and cultural beliefs.
• Consider the costs associated with burial and cremation.
• Think about space-saving solutions with direct cremation. 

Ultimately, deciding whether to cremate or bury is a personal journey and should be done with the care, respect, and consideration of all involved. 

How a funeral service can help whether you choose cremation or a traditional burial

No matter which burial option you choose, a funeral service can provide an opportunity to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased. A funeral service can be a meaningful way for family and friends to come together, show support for one another, and pay respects.

At Drayton Memorial Cremation and Funeral Home, we offer all types of services to suit the needs of our clients and help them honor their loved ones in a meaningful way. We provide full-service traditional funerals, burial services, and cremation services and specialize in helping families of all backgrounds. We also offer catering options and other amenities to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Let us help you provide a respectful, meaningful memorial service to honor your loved one's life.



We also provide pre-planning services and can assist you in making the necessary arrangements for yourself or a loved one. We understand the importance of honoring the life of your loved one and are here to help make the process easier. Contact us today, and let us show you how we can make a difference.