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What Is the Difference Between Cremation and Burial?

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When families begin making end-of-life arrangements, one of the first questions they ask is: What is the difference between cremation and burial? While the answer may seem straightforward, the reality is far more nuanced than simply choosing one method of disposition over another.

In Episode 3 of From Compassion to the Conversation, host Mike Downer sits down with Ryan Fredregill, owner of Henderson's Funeral & Cremation Care and a second-generation funeral director with more than 26 years of experience in funeral service. Drawing from decades of firsthand experience helping families navigate loss, Ryan offers practical insights into the financial, emotional, cultural, and logistical considerations behind one of life's most important decisions.

Throughout the conversation, several key themes emerge: cremation and funeral services are not mutually exclusive, modern families increasingly value flexibility and personalization, and the grieving process should remain an important consideration regardless of the option chosen. Most importantly, Ryan emphasizes that there is no universally correct choice—only the choice that best honors a loved one and supports the family's needs.

The Biggest Misconception About Cremation

One of the most valuable insights Ryan shares is that many families mistakenly believe choosing cremation means giving up the opportunity for a meaningful funeral service.

According to Ryan, families today have more options than ever before. A traditional funeral can still take place before cremation. Memorial services can be held after cremation has occurred. Some families schedule celebrations of life weeks or even months later when loved ones can gather more easily.

As Ryan explains:

"Choosing cremation doesn't mean you can't still have a funeral service."

This distinction is important because it shifts the conversation away from choosing between a funeral and cremation. Instead, families can focus on creating the type of remembrance experience that best reflects their loved one's life and legacy.

Understanding the Fundamental Difference

At its core, the difference between cremation and burial comes down to how a person's body is cared for after death.

Ryan explains that cremation uses a flame-based crematory process that reduces the body to bone fragments, which are then processed into what families commonly refer to as ashes.

Traditional burial follows a different path. Depending on circumstances and timing, burial may involve embalming, visitation services, a casket, and interment within a cemetery. Most cemeteries also require a burial vault or grave liner.

Ryan offers an important clarification about embalming that many families may not understand. The process serves two primary purposes:

  • Preservation
  • Disinfection

By preserving the body, embalming allows families additional time for visitations, viewings, and funeral services before burial takes place.

Why Cremation Continues to Grow in Popularity

One of Ryan's most compelling contributions comes from his long-term perspective on industry trends.

When he graduated from mortuary school approximately 26 years ago, cremation rates in Iowa were likely below 10 percent. Today, roughly 65 percent of Iowa families choose cremation, and that number continues to rise.

Some states across the country are approaching cremation rates of nearly 90 percent.

Ryan identifies three primary reasons behind this shift:

  • Greater scheduling flexibility
  • Lower overall costs
  • Increased opportunities for personalized memorialization

The rise of cremation reflects changing consumer preferences rather than a rejection of meaningful remembrance. Families increasingly want options that accommodate travel schedules, unique family circumstances, and more personalized ways of honoring loved ones.

Cost Differences Between Cremation and Burial

Cost is often part of the conversation, but Ryan is careful not to portray it as the sole deciding factor.

According to his experience, direct cremation pricing across Iowa generally ranges from approximately $3,500 to $4,000, although he has seen prices as high as $6,200.

Traditional funerals, by comparison, average approximately $13,500 statewide when all expenses are included.

Ryan notes that total funeral costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as:

  • Cemetery fees
  • Grave opening and closing costs
  • Casket selections
  • Service preferences
  • Additional memorial options

His perspective highlights an important reality: while cremation often costs less, families should evaluate the overall experience they want rather than focusing exclusively on price.

The Emotional Consideration Families Often Overlook

Perhaps the most memorable insight from the conversation involves grief and healing.

While Ryan fully recognizes the advantages of cremation, he also believes society may occasionally overlook the value of viewing and visitation services when families choose immediate cremation.

As he explains:

"Seeing a loved one and acknowledging the reality of the loss can be an important part of the grieving and healing process."

This observation comes from decades spent helping families navigate loss firsthand.

The opportunity to gather, say goodbye, and confront the reality of a loved one's passing can play a meaningful role in emotional closure. While every family's circumstances differ, Ryan encourages families to consider the emotional aspects of the decision alongside the practical ones.

Personalization Is Changing the Way Families Remember Loved Ones

Another notable trend Ryan discusses is the growing desire for personalized memorial experiences.

Today's families are increasingly moving beyond traditional service formats and creating celebrations that reflect individual personalities and interests.

He has seen memorial gatherings take place at:

  • Golf courses
  • Community centers
  • Parks
  • Family gathering spaces

This flexibility is one of cremation's major advantages. Families can schedule services immediately or months later, allowing more people to participate and creating opportunities for highly personalized tributes.

As Ryan notes:

"There is no right or wrong way to honor a loved one."

That philosophy has become a guiding principle in modern funeral service.

Helping Families Make Decisions Without Pressure

Throughout the episode, Ryan consistently emphasizes a family-first approach.

Rather than focusing on sales, his goal is to help families understand their options and make decisions that align with both their wishes and their budget.

His perspective reflects the reality many families face today. Financial considerations matter, but so do personal values, religious traditions, and emotional needs.

The role of a funeral professional, according to Ryan, is not to persuade families toward a particular choice but to provide guidance, education, and support during an extremely difficult time.

Final Thoughts

For families asking, What is the difference between cremation and burial, Ryan Fredregill's answer extends far beyond cost comparisons and technical processes. The decision ultimately involves personal values, family traditions, emotional needs, scheduling considerations, and the unique ways people choose to honor a life well lived.

After more than two decades in funeral service, Ryan's message remains refreshingly simple: there is no right or wrong choice. The best decision is the one that provides meaningful remembrance, supports the grieving process, and reflects the wishes of both the individual and their family.

FAQs

Can you still have a funeral service if you choose cremation?

Yes. Families can hold a traditional funeral before cremation, schedule a memorial service afterward, or organize a celebration of life at a later date.

Why are more families choosing cremation today?

According to Ryan Fredregill, cremation continues to grow in popularity because it offers greater flexibility, lower costs, and more opportunities for personalized memorialization.

Is burial more expensive than cremation?

In many cases, yes. Traditional burial often includes additional costs such as caskets, cemetery fees, grave opening and closing charges, and burial vaults. However, total costs vary based on individual preferences.

Does cremation affect the grieving process?

Ryan believes families should carefully consider the emotional value of viewings and visitations. Seeing a loved one and gathering with family can play an important role in acknowledging loss and beginning the healing process.

Are cremation and burial accepted by most religions?

Ryan notes that most faith traditions today accept cremation, although some may have specific guidelines regarding the final placement of cremated remains.

Mike: Hi, everybody. Welcome to Henderson’s Funeral Care: From Compassion to the Conversation. I’m here with Ryan Fredregill, the owner of Henderson’s Funeral and Cremation Care. He is a second-generation funeral home director. How are we doing today, Ryan?

Ryan: Good, Mike. Hope you’re well.

Mike: I’m doing great. Last time, we talked about costs. Today, we’re going to be talking about the differences between cremation and traditional burial. Are you ready to dive into this one with me?

Ryan: Let’s do it. Yes, sir.

Mike: All right, Ryan. Could you tell me what the key differences are between cremation and traditional burial in terms of cost, process, timeline, and options? How should families decide?

Ryan: There’s no right or wrong way for any family in Des Moines or Iowa to decide whether they want burial or cremation. Most families we serve already know what they want. They either want cremation or burial, and not many people sit on the fence anymore.

When I started many years ago, the cremation percentage in Iowa was much lower. Today, about sixty-five percent of Iowans—and people in Des Moines—choose cremation. National trends indicate that percentage will continue to rise.

That being said, families can still have a funeral followed by cremation. Then it becomes a matter of whether the cremated remains will be buried, kept by a loved one, or handled in another meaningful way.

Mike: What is the fundamental difference between cremation and burial, and what happens during each process?

Ryan: The fundamental difference is what happens to the individual’s body.

With cremation in Iowa, a flame crematory is used to break the body down into bone fragments. Those fragments are then processed into ashes.

With burial, Iowa does allow direct burial, meaning embalming is not always required. However, burial must occur within a certain timeframe. Most cemeteries still require the casket to be placed in a vault or grave liner.

If a family wants a public viewing or open-casket funeral, embalming is generally required. Embalming preserves and disinfects the body by using the arterial system to distribute embalming fluid. This allows families more time to hold services and say goodbye.

Mike: That’s a lot of information. How do the costs of cremation and burial compare nationally and specifically at Henderson’s?

Ryan: In Iowa, the average cremation cost is typically between $3,500 and $4,000, depending on the area. The highest I’ve heard is around $6,200, while the least expensive can be about $895 for direct cremation, which is what Henderson’s Funeral and Cremation Care offers.

Traditional funerals in Iowa average around $13,500 when you include all expenses. At Henderson’s, our funeral packages start around $6,995, which includes the casket, professional services, and grave liner. Additional cemetery-related costs, such as opening and closing the grave, may still apply.

So, you can have a funeral that costs $8,000 or one that costs $20,000, depending on the choices made.

For cremation, families can choose direct cremation or still have a full funeral service beforehand using a rental casket. Services can be held at churches, funeral homes, or other locations.

Mike: Could you walk us through the typical timelines for cremation versus traditional burial?

Ryan: Absolutely. If someone chooses direct cremation, we bring the individual into our care as soon as the family is ready, whether from a home, hospital, or nursing facility.

From there, paperwork begins. We gather information for the death certificate, Social Security filing, obituary details, and service planning.

For the obituary, we ask about birthplace, parents, education, career, hobbies, military service, family members, and more. Then we discuss service details like location, officiant, music, and flowers.

Once the obituary draft is approved by the family, we post it with a photo.

Mike: What religious or cultural perspectives should families consider when choosing between cremation and burial?

Ryan: There really aren’t any major cultures today that openly condemn cremation. The Catholic Church was one of the last groups to fully accept it, and that changed in the 1980s.

The Catholic Church still encourages burial of cremated remains, but cremation itself is accepted. Many cultures today embrace either cremation or traditional burial depending on family preference and tradition.

Mike: How do cremation and burial compare in terms of environmental impact?

Ryan: Cremation uses fuel such as natural gas or LP gas, and emissions come from the crematory process.

Traditional burial takes up physical land space. If a casket and vault are sealed properly, contamination shouldn’t occur. If not, water can enter, and embalming fluids may potentially reach the soil.

You may have heard of green burials, alkaline hydrolysis, or human composting. In Iowa, alkaline hydrolysis and human composting are not currently legal, and I don’t foresee that changing soon.

So currently, the options in Iowa are traditional burial or flame cremation.

Mike: If someone chooses cremation, what types of services are still possible?

Ryan: Cremation actually gives families more flexibility. Services can happen months later if needed. We’ve seen families wait three, four, or even five months before holding a memorial.

With traditional burial, services usually happen within three to five weeks because the body is present.

Families choosing cremation can still have traditional services, celebrations of life, gatherings at parks, golf courses, community centers, or other personalized locations. We’re seeing more non-traditional services today.

Our role at Henderson’s Funeral and Cremation Care is to listen to families, understand their needs, and make those wishes happen.

Mike: Earlier you mentioned cremation rates are around sixty-five percent. Why has cremation become more popular?

Ryan: Iowa’s cremation rate is about sixty-five percent. Some states are as high as eighty-nine percent, while others are closer to forty percent.

When I graduated mortuary school twenty-six years ago, Iowa’s cremation rate was maybe five to eight percent. It has increased dramatically since then.

I think cremation is popular because families don’t feel rushed. Once cremation takes place, they can take their time planning services. It’s also generally less expensive.

However, I do think society is missing something important when families skip the viewing process entirely. Seeing a loved one and saying goodbye can be an important step toward closure.

Mike: I completely agree with you. Closure is very important.

Ryan: Absolutely. Seeing the reality of the loss is often the first step toward healing.

Mike: You’ve done a great job explaining the differences, not only in cost but also in process and overall experience. Before we wrap up, how does Henderson’s support families in making these decisions without pressure?

Ryan: We are not high-pressure salespeople at all. Our goal is to help families make the decision that’s right for them.

I’m personally very cost-conscious, and we would never try to sell someone something they can’t afford. If a family wants higher-end options, we have them, but our focus is on helping people through a difficult time while keeping funeral and cremation services affordable.

With inflation and rising costs, affordability is more important now than ever.

Mike: That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you again for taking the time to explain everything so clearly.

This is never an easy topic, but that’s exactly why we call this series From Compassion to the Conversation. Thanks for joining Ryan and myself today. We look forward to continuing these conversations and helping families feel more informed and supported.

Ryan: Thank you. Have a blessed day.

Mike: You as well.

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