Burial is what Texas families traditionally expected; cremation is now what the majority of Texas families actually choose. Cremation is typically 60–80% less expensive, takes a few days rather than a week, and gives families more flexibility with memorial timing. Burial is preferred by many families for religious reasons, for having a permanent physical place to visit, or because it is simply what their loved one wanted.
Side-by-side
| Factor | Burial | Cremation |
|---|---|---|
| Starting cost at Vargas-London | $5,495 + cemetery fees | $895 direct / $2,495 with service |
| Typical total in Texas, 2026 | $8,500 – $14,000 | $895 – $3,500 |
| Timeline | 5 – 10 days | 7 – 10 business days |
| Physical place to visit | Yes (cemetery plot) | Depends — urn, niche, scattering, or jewelry |
| Viewing possible? | Traditional — typically yes | Yes, with a rental casket before cremation |
| Texas share of choices (2024) | ~40% | ~60% |
| Environmental footprint | Higher (land, vault, embalming fluid) | Lower (but not zero — combustion emissions) |
| Religious acceptance | Nearly universal | Accepted in most Christian denominations; required in Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist practice; not permitted in Islam or Orthodox Judaism |
What burial actually involves in Texas
Burial requires a casket, a cemetery plot, an opening-and-closing fee, and usually an outer burial container (vault or grave liner) required by the cemetery. Embalming is not required by Texas law but is sometimes required by the funeral home if there is a public viewing. Most DFW cemeteries require a vault. Timeline from passing to burial is typically 5 to 10 days — longer if a Medical Examiner is involved or if family is traveling in.
What cremation actually involves in Texas
Cremation requires transfer into our care, authorization signed by the legal next of kin, a 48-hour waiting period required by Texas law (Texas Health & Safety Code § 716.051), issuance of a cremation permit by the county, and the cremation itself. A casket is not required — Texas law requires only a rigid, combustible container. A memorial service can be held before the cremation (with a rental casket for viewing) or after. See our full Learn About Cremation guide for details.
Religious considerations
Christianity
Most Protestant denominations fully accept cremation. The Catholic Church permits cremation but prefers that cremated remains be interred or entombed in a sacred place, not scattered. Eastern Orthodox churches generally do not permit cremation.
Judaism
Traditional Orthodox and Conservative Judaism prohibit cremation. Reform Judaism accepts it. Jewish burials in Texas follow specific rituals: tahara (ritual washing), plain wooden casket, no embalming, burial within 24 hours where possible.
Islam
Islam prohibits cremation. Islamic funerals in Texas follow ghusl (ritual washing), burial in a simple white shroud, and interment within 24 hours whenever possible.
Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism
Cremation is required or strongly preferred. Vargas-London coordinates family-witnessed cremation, antyesti ceremonies, and traditional rites for Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist families throughout the DFW metroplex.
Environmental comparison
A conventional burial uses approximately 38,000 gallons of embalming fluid, 2 million feet of hardwood, 90,000 tons of steel, and 1.6 million tons of concrete across the U.S. each year. Cremation avoids those inputs but releases mercury (from dental fillings), particulate matter, and about 534 pounds of CO₂ per cremation. A green burial — no embalming, biodegradable casket, no vault — has the lowest footprint of any option.
How families typically decide
In our experience, families settle on one of four reasons:
- What the loved one wanted. Written or verbal wishes carry the most weight, even if a family would have chosen differently.
- Religious tradition. For Muslim, Orthodox Jewish, Orthodox Christian, Hindu, and Sikh families, the choice is made for them.
- Cost. When budget is the determining factor, cremation wins on nearly every line item.
- A place to visit. Families who want a specific grave to return to often choose burial — or cremation followed by interment at a cemetery niche or columbarium.
Vargas-London offers both at honest prices. If you're leaning one way and want to hear the case for the other, we'll make it. Our only stake is that the choice feels right for your family.