Options for Your Body After Death: Burial, Cremation, Termation and More
One of the most important end-of-life decisions is what happens to your body. There is no single right choice. The best option is the one that fits your values, beliefs, budget, and the experience you want for your family. Below is a simple guide to the most common options, how to arrange them, approximate costs, and what to consider.
Burial
What it is:
Traditional burial involves placing the body in a casket and burying it in a cemetery. Some families choose a viewing or funeral service before burial.
Approximate costs:
Traditional burial is typically the most expensive option. In the United States, a full funeral and burial often ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the casket, cemetery, and services chosen.
Costs usually include:
- Funeral home services
- Transportation
- Embalming and preparation
- Casket
- Cemetery plot
- Vault or grave liner
- Opening and closing the grave
- Headstone or marker
How to arrange it:
- Contact a funeral home
- Choose a cemetery and plot
- Select a casket and services
- Plan a viewing or ceremony if desired
What to consider:
- Religious or cultural traditions
- Environmental impact
- Cost and long-term cemetery maintenance
- Location for loved ones to visit
Green burial is also growing in popularity. This option avoids embalming and uses biodegradable materials. For more about green burials, click here.
Cremation
What it is:
Cremation uses heat to reduce the body to ashes. It is now the most common choice in the United States.
Approximate costs:
Cremation is generally more affordable.
- Direct cremation ranges from $900 to $2,500+.
Adding a viewing or service increases the price and can bring total costs to $3,000 to $7,500 or more.
How to arrange it:
- Contact a cremation provider or funeral home
- Request the General Price List
- Decide whether to have a service before or after cremation
- Choose an urn or memorial option
What to consider:
- Flexibility in timing for services
- Lower cost
- Environmental considerations
- Religious acceptance
After cremation, there are a variety of options. Many people keep ashes as they come and others convert ashes into things such as stones, art, coral reefs, jewelry among other things. Click here for more information on those options.
Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)
What it is:
Aquamation uses water and alkaline solutions instead of heat. It is considered more environmentally friendly and produces fewer emissions.
Approximate costs:
Aquamation generally ranges from $2,000 to $3,500, depending on location and services.
How to arrange it:
- Find a provider offering aquamation
- Compare packages and included services
- Plan any memorial or celebration of life
What to consider:
- Environmental impact
- Availability in your area
- Personal or spiritual beliefs
- Cost compared to cremation
Termation (Human Composting)
What it is:
Also called natural organic reduction, this process transforms the body into soil. It is legal in some states but not yet widely available.
Approximate costs:
Typically ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the provider and services.
How to arrange it:
- Confirm it is legal in your state
- Work with a licensed provider
- Plan how the soil will be used or returned
What to consider:
- Environmental values
- State laws and availability
- Comfort level of family members
- Long-term memorial options
Final Thoughts
Every option comes with different emotional, financial, and practical considerations. Costs vary widely, so it is always worth comparing providers and asking for detailed pricing. The most important step is simply making a plan. When your wishes are clear, your family is spared stress, uncertainty, and difficult decisions during an already hard time.
Documenting your preferences now can give your loved ones clarity and peace when it matters most.
