Resources
Burial and Cremation: The Choices Families Face
These guides explain the main disposition and service choices in plain language, without pushing one over another.
Wayfinder is a free guide for Utah families.Wayfinder is not a funeral home or a cremation provider.Facts on this page last checked September 28, 2026.
Start here
- 1See what each option costsReal, dated prices for burial and cremation.
- 2Read how a rental casket worksFor a viewing before cremation.
- 3If the person served in the militaryHonors for a veteran.
The simple answer
Burial and cremation each come with several separate decisions, and most of them can be made in a different order than families expect. The guides below take them one at a time.
Every guide in this topic
Every guide below is published and dated.
01Burial vs. CremationHow the two choices compare on cost, timing, and options.02Direct BurialWhat immediate burial includes and leaves out.03Funeral, Memorial, and Graveside ServicesThe kinds of services and how they differ.04Viewing and Saying GoodbyeViewings, visitations, and private family time.05Preparation and EmbalmingWhen embalming is required and when it isn’t.06Cremated Remains: What Are the Options?Keeping, burying, placing, or scattering ashes.07Caskets and UrnsWhat they cost and where you can buy them.08Other Disposition OptionsGreen burial, aquamation, and body donation in Utah.09Faith and Cultural ConsiderationsHow several traditions approach burial and cremation.10What Is a Rental Casket?How a rental casket works for a viewing before cremation.