Why Cremation Continues to Soar in Popularity

Though the funeral industry has managed to stay more or less traditional for the last several decades, the time has finally come in which the industry is being forced to deal with trends just like any other industry. Now that the American economy is back on the rise, funeral directors are having to battle the popularity of cremation, which has risen within the last few years due to being a worry-free procedure and low in cost.

Cremation is increasingly becoming more socially acceptable than ever before, especially now that Baby Boomers are in their 60s and 70s. This industry change is mainly being driven by America’s transient society, as more and more Americans are moving from state to state to pursue careers and dreams, and to be closer to select family members. As a result, people are finding that they prefer cremation over traditional funerals due to its lower costs, and is easier to work with when it comes to transporting remains across state lines so late loved ones can reside next to other late family members.

According to Larry Click, the funeral director for Click Funeral Homes in Tennessee, only about five percent of clients chose cremation 20 years ago. Today, more than 40 percent of clients are choosing cremation over the traditional funeral. Another representative from the funeral industry named Bob Batson says he noticed cremation starting to soar in popularity during the financial crisis of 2008, when casket materials increased by 18 percent.

Families who choose cremation often have more financial flexibility when it comes to purchasing extra cremation services such as memorial services, casket rental and viewing, chapel services, and more. The average cost for a cremation is often between $800 and $2,000, whereas the cost for a traditional funeral is usually $7,000 and higher.

Batson also says that cremation is becoming more popular in metropolitan areas versus rural areas, the latter in which burials and funerals are more commonplace. Plus, as Americans become more environmentally-conscious, they’re opting for green burials over traditional burials, which involves burial in a biodegradable casket without the use of embalming fluids. In the end, families appreciate the fact they can arrange for a customized cremation and memorial service for a fraction of the cost of a traditional funeral.

Heartland Cremation has four generations of experience in cremation and funeral care, and serves the greater Kansas City region, including Columbia, Boonville, Macon, and Jefferson City, Missouri. Please contact us today to learn more about the cremation services we can provide for your loved one.