Rock & Water Creations - Monument Division

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According to a recent national survey, 46% of Americans plan to choose cremation rather than burial for themselves or their loved ones. The percentage likely to choose cremation has increased significantly within the past nine years. In earlier surveys in 1990 and 1995, the figure was 37% and 43% respectively.

Entitled "A Study of American Attitudes Toward Ritualization and Memorialization," the survey was conducted by Wirthlin Worldwide and sponsored by the Funeral and Memorial Information Council (FAMIC), a group of organizations representing nearly every segment of the death care industry.

Some of the council members include the Cremation Association of North America, International Cemetery and Funeral Association, International Order of the Golden Rule, National Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, and National Selected Morticians Association.

Primary reasons for choosing cremation are to save money (24%), to save land (17%) and because it is simpler, less emotional and more convenient (13%). Those who favor cremation tend to be better educated and from households with higher incomes. The most recent figures from 200 the U.S. cremation rate was 24%. Based upon the past five-year average, the Cremation Association of North America has forecast a national cremation rate of 39% by 2010.

More (89%) of those choosing cremation say they would like some type of ceremony (up from 80% in 1990; and 83% in 1995). Most (32%) still wanted a traditional funeral while 26% wanted a private service and 25% wanted a memorial service.

Forty-four percent of those who would choose cremation for a loved one would select a traditional service when planning or making cremation arrangements; an additional 22% would select a private service; and another 22% preferred a memorial service. The number of respondents who intend to purchase an urn other than the utility urn supplied by the crematory has increased significantly (32% up from 15% in 1995). Of those likely to choose cremation, 59% say they plan to have their cremated remains scattered (30% over water; 20% on land; 18% where deceased requested).

There has been a significant increase in planning for permanent cremation memorials (57% up from 50%,1995; 47%, 1990). Choices are living memorials 38% (19%, 1995); monuments 31% (30%, 1995); and columbariums 22% (18%, 1995). Older respondents (55+) are more likely to choose a columbarium (6% of total). Nine percent said they will keep the urn at home.

The survey also showed that one-fourth of all American adults have prearranged at least some of the details of their own funeral or burial. They may have told another person about their wishes, included directions in a will or letter, set aside money for a funeral or memorial service, chosen a cemetery or selected a columbarium or burial plot. In fact, over eight out of 10 (84%) of those interviewed for the survey, believe prearranging the details of their own funeral is a good idea, and 40% say they are likely to do so within the next five years.

Survey Respondents Say Outdoor MonumentsAre More Natural Than "Urn On A Mantel"

Rock & Water Creations recently concluded a short, five-question survey of 375 men and women ages 28-75 at the Third Street Promenade shopping mall in Santa Monica, Calif.

In addition to learning that 68% of respondents would "seriously consider" cremation for their own burial, an incredible 92% felt that--if a loved one was to be cremated--it would seem "more natural" to have their cremains in "a monument placed outdoors in the landscaping" than in a traditional urn placed "indoors on the fireplace mantel.'"