Chances are, your friends and family do, and they'd prefer that you provide simple instructions in the case of your demise.
I don't think this applies to me...
Take this simple quiz to find out!
80% of Americans say they prefer to die at home,
but many families are not prepared for the difficuly of providing end-of-life care.
Only you have the power to control where and how you will end up -
and you have to act in advance.
Embalming is required by the vast majority of Funeral Directors, regardless of if you want to be cremated.
It is not, however, required by law. If you wish to not be embalmed, you must find a funeral director that will respect your wishes - in advance of your demise.
Without instructions, your death will lead to confusion and stress for your already overwhelmed loved ones.
Factors to consider for interment
What's most important to you?
Financial Burden
The average cost of an American funeral is between $8,000-12,000.
A traditional burial requires embalming and body preparation, a casket and vault, and cemetery and transportation fees.
While cremation is more affordable than traditional burial, the procedure is rarely witnessesed and does not act to memorialize the dead.
Alkaline Hydrolosis, or 'water cremation,' costs $2,000 and up, and is also rarely witnessed.
Green burials & home funerals can be affordable because there is no embalming, hardwood casket or vault, but memorialization options could increase the cost.
Body donation is free of cost, but does not include a memorialization.
1960$702
1980$1,809
2000$5,180
2020$8,000
Environmental Impact
Your choice for interment may contribute to some of the following:
Air pollution
Loss of Natural Habitat
Wasted natural resources
Increased Carbon Footprint
Family Involvement
Not all forms of interment have the same emotional impact.
Cremations and Alkaline Hydrolysis are rarely witnessed by friends or family.
Home burial allows for the most customization of the ceremony.
Generally, the more directly involved in the planning and implementation of the interment, the more closure family and friends feel.
Not all green burial sites have grave markers.
Donation to an academic institution requires that the body be embalmed, and it will not be available for memorialization.
Religious Limitations
Not all religions allow all forms of interment:
Islam and Jewish Orthodoxy require a body be buried, and it must happen within 24 hours of death. After being washed and wrapped in a shroud, the body is put directly into the ground with no embalming, casket or vault.
A traditional Hindu interment is similar, but ends in cremation.
The Catholic church did not recognize cremation as a viable form of interment until 1963.
Geographical Limitations
Not all parts of the U.S. have the same options for interment:
There may not be a 'green' cemetery near you. Most traditional cemeteries require embalming, a casket, and a vault.
Alkaline Hydrolysis is not legal in all countries. In the U.S., it is only legal in 18 states.
The legality of home burial varies by state and municipality, but it's usually harder in metropolitan areas.
1960
$702