7 Benefits of Cremation

If you are weighing up cremation against burial for a loved one, or planning ahead for yourself, it helps to understand why so many families now choose cremation. This guide sets out seven clear benefits, along with a short explanation of how the process works.

Quick answer: The main benefits of cremation are lower cost (often around half the price of a burial), flexible timing, far more choice over the final resting place, the ability to share ashes among family, a smaller environmental impact than embalming and burial, the option to still hold a burial or service later, and the freedom to choose a personal urn. Cremation keeps every option open after the fact.

How cremation works, briefly

The person is identified and authorization to cremate is obtained, then prepared by removing anything that cannot safely enter the chamber, with jewellery returned to the family. They are placed in a combustible container and cremated at high temperature for around 2 hours. Afterwards, any metal is removed with a magnet and the remaining bone fragments are processed into ashes, which are returned in a temporary container or an urn the family has chosen. For the full detail, see our guide on the cremation process.

1. Cremation costs less

Cremation is generally at least half the price of a burial, largely because there is no plot to buy. A direct cremation, with no limousine, expensive coffin or formal service, is cheaper still, and you can hold your own gathering with family afterwards. See our full breakdown in cremation and burial costs.

2. You control the timing

Cremation is not tied to a fixed funeral-director slot. You can choose when to hold the memorial, giving family and friends who are travelling time to gather, so no one has to miss saying goodbye.

3. Far more choice of resting place

With cremation you are not tied to a cemetery plot. A loved one can stay with you at home in an urn that suits your taste, be scattered somewhere meaningful, buried in a garden, or returned to the water. The choice is yours.

4. Families can share the ashes

Keepsake urns and ashes jewellery let several family members each keep a small portion of a loved one close, wherever they live. When distance would make visiting a single grave difficult, this helps everyone stay connected. Browse our keepsake urns and ashes jewellery.

5. A smaller environmental impact

Traditional embalming uses formaldehyde, which is harmful to the environment, and a burial takes up land in perpetuity. Cremation avoids the embalming chemicals, and pairs naturally with eco-friendly options like a biodegradable urn for a water or land burial. Equipment continues to improve to reduce emissions further.

6. You can still bury the ashes later

Choosing cremation now does not close off a burial later. If you change your mind, the ashes can be buried in a cemetery plot or placed in a columbarium at any time. Every option stays open.

7. You can choose an urn that suits them

An urn can reflect the person, their favorite color, a passion or a quiet personality. Our range runs from simple keepsakes to handcrafted designer pieces, plus ashes jewellery and companion urns. Start with our adult cremation urns collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is cremation cheaper than burial?

Yes. Cremation is generally at least half the cost of a burial, mainly because there is no plot to buy. A direct cremation without a formal service is the most affordable option of all.

Is cremation better for the environment than burial?

It avoids the formaldehyde used in embalming and does not take up land permanently. Paired with a biodegradable urn for a water or land burial, it is a greener choice, though the cremation itself does produce some emissions.

Can I keep some ashes and scatter the rest?

Yes. Many families keep a portion in a keepsake urn or ashes jewellery and scatter or bury the rest, so everyone can keep a loved one close in their own way.

Can I bury cremated ashes after keeping them at home?

Yes. Ashes can be buried in a cemetery plot or placed in a columbarium at any later date. Keeping them at home first does not limit your options.