What Are the Types of Burial

Deciding on the type of burial to remember your loved one is a profoundly personal decision. It's an important way that their memory will be kept alive forever so you'll want to weigh your options carefully. This article is designed to guide you through the main burial types available - including below ground, above ground, and cremation.

Most common types of burial

• An in-ground burial is essentially what it sounds like: when the body of the deceased is interned in a casket and subsequently placed into a vault or other burial container and buried beneath soil at a gravesite. A gravestone engraved with an epigraph is typically placed at the gravesite and serves as a memorial.

• An above ground burial is similar in that the body of the deceased is kept in a casket, but the casket is preserved at a public or private mausoleum or lawn crypt. Note, a mausoleum is an above-ground building that houses the caskets and vaults of those who have passed.

• A cremation is the final disposition of a deceased body through burning and is the alternative to a casket-based ceremony. If you're wondering what does the bible say about cremation (or any other religious scriptures), this option is accepted in many religions, although prohibited for Muslims and some members of conservative Jewish sects. We recommend consulting your religious leader before pursuing this route. Cremation can be a great option for those who wish to take part in a “scattering of ashes” service or keep their loved one in a ceremonial urn; it is also the most cost-effective funeral type.

• Natural burials are an option for those who wish to pursue an eco-friendly funeral. This process does not use embalming fluid, a casket, or vault and instead allows a body to decompose naturally into the earth. The grave is even dug by hand without help from heavy machinery. A "Green burial" goes even further, where the cemetery uses no artificial pesticides and none of the bodies buried in a green cemetery can have been embalmed or buried in a traditional casket.

Is Cremation Cheaper Than Burial?

Cost can certainly be a consideration, but it’s not always driving the price difference between cremation and burial is substantial. In fact, the cost can be nearly the same, depending on the options your family will choose—depending on the simplicity or celebratory aspects. A simple cremation will cost less than a cremation with a viewing and a celebration of life. But some families will consider the latter a way of saying goodbye and creating priceless memories. Let your heart be your guide.

Helping with Funeral Arrangements

Do you have more questions or considerations about the types of burial options? Speak to a caring and knowledgeable Funeral Advisor at Memoria. We are experienced in this industry and will guide you through the many hurdles from start to finish. This is a difficult time in your life and you shouldn’t have to face it alone.