Burial

With the growing number of cremations, more families are choosing to bury the cremated remains of their loved ones as a way to provide a permanent place for future visitation. Many families choose burial or entombment at a nearby cemetery because it allows them to visit the gravesite as often as they like. This helps them continue to feel close to the person who died, while still acknowledging the death. Your funeral director will know which cemeteries are nearby and would best meet your needs. He or she can help you purchase cemetery plots appropriate to your needs.

Monuments and Grave Markers

Also called headstones, grave markers are used in cemeteries to memorialize and identify the gravesite of the person who has died. To personalize the funeral service, you may want to personalize the grave marker. You can include a poem, a drawing or a short phrase that defines the person who died.

Monuments and grave markers are available in a variety of materials, including natural stone, concrete and bronze. Styles can range from very simple to very ornate, as single markers or companion monuments.

Cemetery Plots

Cemetery Burial

Perhaps your family already owns a cemetery plot where the person who has died will be buried. If not, maybe you’ve noticed a nice local cemetery. Your funeral director will know which cemeteries are nearby and can help you purchase cemetery plots appropriate for your needs.

Traditionally, families have chosen to bury their loved ones in a cemetery. With the growing number of cremations, more families are choosing to bury the cremated remains as a way to provide a permanent place for future visitation.

Entombment also takes place at a cemetery. It is the placement of the casketed body in an above-ground structure called a mausoleum. When a casket is entombed, it is placed in an enclosure (called a crypt), and the front is usually sealed and faced with either marble or granite.

Many families choose burial or entombment at a nearby cemetery because it allows them to visit the gravesite as often as they would like. This helps them continue to feel close to the person who died, while still acknowledging the death.

Because so many aspects should be considered when purchasing a cemetery plot, you may want to consider discussing the options in advance. Questions you may want to consider include:

• Does the plot meet my religious requirements?
• Are there any restrictions I need to consider based on the type of monument or burial vault?
• Does the plot include perpetual care and maintenance?
• Are plots available in the same location to provide for burial of the entire family?