Cremation became the top choice in 2015 and has been climbing in popularity ever since. "Cost is a driving factor," said Mike Nicodemus, licensed funeral director and vice president of cremation services for the NFDA. Today, practicing Catholics are allowed to choose cremation; however, the church still wants a ceremony and for the ashes to be buried, not scattered. Fewer people consider themselves religious today than in the past, lessening the need for a traditional funeral in a church. Or for no extra money at all, you can ask your loved ones to scatter your ashes on the beach.