Burial

Things to Consider When Choosing a Burial Option

Burying a loved one or making your own pre need funeral arrangements is stressful.  To assist you in determining such a sensitive and personal matter, we suggest that you consider asking yourself the following questions about personal plans and preferences:

1. Which burial option offers you the best way to preserve your memories?
2. Which option would be considered the best memorial for your loved ones to visit?
3. Which burial option best fits “your style”?
4. Which of these burial options has best overall fit for your future plans and preferences?

The most common burial options:

1. In-Ground Burial

The most traditional choice, commonly referred to as an in-ground burial, consists of five important components:

Gravesite
This is also commonly referred to as the “land, plot, space, or cemetery property.”

Burial Vault
A burial vault is a concrete enclosure placed in a gravesite, and has the main purpose of protecting the casket.  To ensure this important protection, the burial vault is strategically closed and sealed one the casket is place inside.  This ensures the cemetery space provides a safe and secure place for your loved ones.

Casket
Sometimes referred to as a “coffin”, this is the personal vessel that is chosen to contain the body of the deceased, as well as for display during any memorial service viewings.

Opening and Closing
In preparation of the your gravesite, the burial service consists of ground opening, closing (also known as back-filling), and landscaping (to restore and enhance the gravesite’s appearance).

Memorial
Typically a memorial is some form of a tribute which is installed at the gravesite. The purpose of a memorial is to honor and celebrate a loved one’s life and memories. Memorials can typically be flat bronze “markers” (installed at memorial parks) or they can be upright granite monuments (installed at cemeteries).

2. Above-Ground Burial or Community Mausoleum

A community mausoleum is an above-ground building that is used to store and memorializes the body of a loved one.  When choosing this type of burial options, you have the option of selecting the space location (“crypt”), and also whether you want a single or “companion” crypt (which holds two). You can also select your personal crypt location level (eye-level is most desirable for most families).  Some of the advantages of a community mausoleum is they enable frequent visits in any type of weather. and a burial vault and memorial are not required.

3. Above-ground Burial or Private Mausoleum

Private mausoleums are also referred to as a “Family Plot”.  Just as the name suggests, this option provide your family with a distinctly separate and private structure to memorialize you and your loved ones. Like community mausoleums, private mausoleums can also enable frequent visits in any type of weather. However, the private mausoleum is actually your own private sanctuary that provides a climate-controlled and comfortable environment where loved ones can honor you and pray with one another. Also similar to community mausoleums, a burial vault and memorial are not required.

4. Combination of In-Ground and Above-ground Burial or Lawn Crypt

A lawn crypt (which typically has a space for two), is very similar to a traditional in-ground burial.  However, the major difference and key benefit is that the space remains clean and dry.  The reason why is because a water drainage system is installed directly below the vault area, providing added protection from nature’s elements. A casket, memorial, and opening-and-closing service are necessary; but a vault is not required.

Cremation

It’s important to note that if you choose to be cremated, burial is still an option. For whatever the reasons, the facts are the more people are choosing cremation. A “crematorium” performs the cremation, which leaves many options for memorializing the cremated remains. Some choose to scatter cremated remains in a cemetery scattering garden, at sea, or other place with special meaning. Others choose to place the cremains in a cremation urn, and then bury the urn in a gravesite space.  Others may choose an urn garden, community mausoleum “niche,” or a “columbarium” (urn mausoleum). Many even choose to keep the urn at the home of a spouse or loved one.  Although you may choose cremation, a viewing and a full funeral service are still options that are commonly chosen. A casket is optional, depending on when the body has been chosen to be cremated.  A burial vault, memorial, and opening-and-closing service will be necessary if the urn is buried in a gravesite space. A niche opening-and-closing service will be necessary if the urn is placed in a mausoleum or columbarium niche.

More Information

Why Does Preplanning A Cemetery Burial Make Sense?

What’s the difference between Cemetery Planning and Funeral Planning?

Find out now about military burials, military funerals, and military benefits.

Learn more about Green Burials.