Cremation or Burial? Making the Right Choice for Your Family

When planning a funeral, one of the first and most important decisions is whether to choose cremation or burial. It’s a deeply personal choice, and there’s no right or wrong answer – only what feels right for your family and the loved one you are honouring. 

At James Ashton & Son Funeral Directors in Dundee, we’re here to guide you through the process of planning a funeral. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what happens during a cremation or burial, the key differences and how to decide what’s best for your family. 

What Happens During a Burial?  

A burial involves placing your loved one’s coffin into the ground, usually in a cemetery or natural burial site. Many families choose burial because of its traditional roots, religious significance or the comfort of having a permanent place to visit.

Typically, the burial follows a funeral service. The coffin is carried to the graveside, often by the funeral director, family members or friends, and gently lowered into the earth. Loved ones may say a few words, place flowers at the grave or take a quiet moment to reflect.

If you choose burial as your preferred funeral option, you can purchase a new lair at Birkhill or Pitkerro Grove cemeteries in Dundee, or at the Western Cemetery in St Andrews. Alternatively, you may already own a lair in one of these cemeteries or in others such as Barnhill, Balgay, Western, or Eastern in Dundee, as well as the Eastern and Western cemeteries in St Andrews.

Additionally, new burial lairs are available at Cairnbrae Natural Burial Ground offering a peaceful and environmentally conscious setting for those who wish to rest in harmony with nature.

What Happens During a Cremation?  

Cremation is a respectful and gentle way to lay a loved one to rest, where the body is carefully transformed into ashes at a crematorium. Many families in Dundee and across the UK find comfort in this choice, as it offers flexibility in creating a meaningful and personal farewell.

At the crematorium, the coffin is placed on a platform known as a catafalque. During the service, a moment of committal takes place—this is often marked by the lowering of the coffin or the closing of curtains, offering a quiet and symbolic farewell. Many families find this to be a deeply moving part of the ceremony.

The ashes are usually returned to the family within a few days, giving you the freedom to choose a meaningful way to honour your loved one. You may wish to scatter them in a special place, keep them in a memorial urn, hold a private ceremony or celebration of life, or have them interred in a chosen piece of ground, creating a lasting place for remembrance.

In the local area, there are several crematoriums to consider, including those in Dundee, Brewsterwells in St Andrews, Parkgrove in Friockheim, Perth and Kirkcaldy. Each offers facilities and services to accommodate your needs. Your Funeral Director will take the time to discuss your options with you, ensuring you find the crematorium that best aligns with your wishes and those of your loved one.

Cremation or Burial: What are the Differences? 

Both cremation and burial offer unique advantages, depending on what feels most appropriate for your loved one and family. 

Burial provides a lasting memorial – many people find comfort in having a grave they can return to for reflection, remembrance or simply to feel close. It also fulfils important cultural or religious traditions, as burial remains a key part of many faiths and family customs. For some, a graveside service offers a familiar structure that feels grounding and traditional, which can be especially comforting during a time of loss. 

Cremation, on the other hand, gives families more flexibility. Ashes can be kept close, scattered in a meaningful place or incorporated into a memorial when the time feels right. Cremation is often a more affordable option too, particularly for those choosing a simpler or more private service. It also offers a range of personal choices – from biodegradable urns to creative ways of scattering ashes – allowing you to honour your loved one in a way that feels truly individual. 

Whichever option you choose, what matters most is that it feels right for you and your family.  

Cremation vs Burial Costs in Dundee 

Funeral costs can be a factor when deciding between cremation or burial. Cremation is usually more cost-effective, especially if you opt for direct cremation – a simple, unattended service. Burial costs can vary based on the location of the grave, type of plot and whether you choose a headstone or memorial. All burial costs in Dundee are available on Dundee City Council’s website. 

 At James Ashton & Son, we’ll provide a clear and detailed breakdown of all costs upfront, so you can make the best decision for your family without added stress. 

How to Decide Between a Cremation or Burial 

For many families, the decision between cremation or burial is guided by faith, family tradition or the wishes of the person you are honouring. It can be helpful to consider if your loved one expressed a preference, any religious or cultural traditions they followed and what feels most meaningful and manageable for those left behind. 

Every family’s needs are different, and we’re here to support you in whatever choice you make. Whether you need time to decide or want to talk through the options in more detail, our team is always ready to listen and offer gentle, practical advice. 

Speak to our Team at Your Nearest James Ashton & Son Branch 

Choosing between cremation or burial isn’t easy, but you don’t have to face the decision alone. At James Ashton & Son, we’re here to offer compassionate guidance and professional support to families across Dundee. If you’re planning a funeral or simply want to understand your options better, we’re here for you. We are available 24 hours, 365 days a year. 

Get in touch to speak to one of the team at any of our four premises across the region. All of our branches are a part of the James Ashton & Son Ltd group, but operate independently so that your arrangements are taken care of by a team you know and at a premises you are familiar with. Our branches:    

1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS 

188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN   

132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ   

56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors)