Burial Services:
Common Questions Answered

Choosing burial services involves many important decisions, from selecting the type of ceremony to understanding burial options and related costs.

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about burial services to help you make informed choices that align with your wishes or those of a loved one.

A traditional burial service typically includes a viewing or visitation, a formal funeral ceremony, and a graveside service.

It may also involve embalming, selecting a casket, choosing a burial plot, and arranging for transportation to the cemetery.

Traditional services offer a way for friends and family to gather, pay their respects, and say goodbye.

Embalming is generally required for an open-casket viewing or if the body will be transported across state lines.

However, it is not required by law for burial in every case, and some cemeteries or religious practices may prefer natural burial without embalming.

Caskets come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and eco-friendly options. Each type has different styles and price ranges.

When selecting a casket, consider the material, design, and budget to find one that meets your preferences.

Yes, burial services can be personalized to reflect the personality and values of the deceased.

Personalization options include selecting specific music, choosing meaningful readings, displaying photographs, or incorporating cultural or religious traditions.

A graveside service is a ceremony held at the burial site. It may include readings, prayers, or final remarks from family and friends.

Graveside services can be a stand-alone event or part of a traditional funeral service, allowing loved ones to gather at the gravesite for a final farewell.

A burial vault is an outer enclosure that surrounds the casket to protect it from soil and water. Many cemeteries require burial vaults to prevent the ground from settling over time.

They come in different materials, such as concrete or metal, and offer additional protection.

Public cemeteries are open to the general public and typically managed by municipalities or private organizations.

Private cemeteries, on the other hand, may have restricted access and are often associated with religious or family affiliations.

Both types offer a variety of plot options.

Yes, many people choose to purchase burial plots in advance as part of pre-planning arrangements.

This allows you to select a preferred location and lock in current prices, easing future decisions for your family.

Green burials are environmentally friendly options that aim to minimize the impact on the earth.

They typically avoid embalming and use biodegradable caskets or burial shrouds.

Green burials are often conducted in dedicated natural burial grounds, although some traditional cemeteries also offer green burial sections.

Yes, above-ground burial options include mausoleums and columbariums.

A mausoleum is a structure that holds one or more caskets, while a columbarium is designed for urns.

Above-ground burial may appeal to those who prefer not to be interred directly in the earth.

Absolutely. Many funeral homes and cemeteries accommodate religious and cultural customs.

It’s essential to communicate your specific requirements to ensure that traditions, such as specific rituals, prayers, or ceremonies, are respected.

A committal service is a brief ceremony held at the gravesite following a funeral. It often includes prayers or blessings and serves as the final moment of farewell.

A committal service can be customized based on religious or cultural practices.

Burial services vary in length, typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the elements included, such as readings, music, or eulogies.

The graveside portion may be shorter, particularly if weather conditions require an abbreviated ceremony.

Yes, family members are often encouraged to participate in the burial, which can include placing flowers on the casket, saying a few words, or even assisting with lowering the casket into the ground.

This can be a meaningful way for loved ones to be involved.

Burial costs vary widely and may include the casket, burial plot, grave marker, burial vault, and funeral service fees.

Pre-planning can help manage these costs by securing prices in advance and relieving family members of financial concerns.

We hope this guide has provided clarity on common questions related to burial services. Each family’s needs and preferences are unique, and a funeral director can provide further information on options to help create a meaningful and respectful farewell.

For personalized assistance, please reach out to discuss your burial planning needs.