When planning a funeral, one of the first decisions is whether you choose burial or cremation. Every family’s reasons are different, and cost can be one factor to consider.

While funeral fees are often similar for both options, burial usually has an added cost: purchasing a burial plot from the cemetery.

For a simpler, lower-cost option, direct cremation is an unattended cremation with no ceremony. You receive the ashes and can arrange a memorial service at a time that feels right.

If you’re unsure where to start, the options below can guide you through the choices and what each includes.