The percentage of people wanting to be cremated instead of buried has increased in the past decade. Two primary reasons for this are that cremation saves money and saves land. It is simpler, less emotional and more convenient. The ashes can either be contained in a burial urn or scattered over a place that had significance in the deceased’s life.

According to the Cremation Association of North America, a national cremation rate of 39% will be seen this 2010. In a study done involving people’s preferences, 89% who prefer cremation say they would still like some type of ceremony done; 32% wanted a traditional funeral; 26% wanted a private service; and 25% wanted a memorial service.