Different Types of Burials and their Variations

Death binds us all, but the final resting place is a personal choice. As any director of funeral homes in Albertson, NY, would tell you, there are different types of burials. Whichever one you choose for yourself or a loved one depends on various factors.

There is no right or wrong option, only what feels right. This article explores the various types of burials and their variations.

      1. In-Ground Burial

Let’s start with the most familiar. In-ground burial is the most traditional type of burial. It has been around for centuries and typically involves a casket (or coffin) buried 6 feet under on a plot. But it also applies to cremated remains.

Many cemeteries require you to buy a burial or urn vault to protect the container (casket or urn) from natural elements, whether it’s a full-body or cremated remains.

You may have to buy a memorial or monument marker like a headstone for the gravesite. It’s not necessary, but having one can make it easier for family members and friends to identify the plot when they visit.

If you opt for in-ground burial, you can choose to buy a single burial plot, double plot (for couples), family plot, or an urn plot for cremation.

      2. Above-Ground Burial

An above-ground burial is an option if you don’t want your body or loved one’s body 6 feet under. It is also an advisable option if you live in a low-lying area and wish to prevent the worst effects of flooding.

Like in-ground burial, an above-ground burial exists in different forms. It can be —

• Mausoleum: a building for housing the casket. It is climate-controlled, and families can visit to spend time with their loved ones. Private ones are reserved for you and your family, and public ones for whoever buys a space inside.
• Lawn Crypt: an above-ground structure with a crypt and a drainage system below to keep it clean and dry. The grass is planted over the structure to make it blend with the environment.
• Columbarium: mausoleum for cremation urns. It has a series of niches that hold cremation urns.

      3. Green Burial

For the environmentally conscious, green burial is also an option. In terms of structure, it’s still a cemetery, but they are designed to have a minimal ecological impact. This could be via different means:

• Hybrid: conventional cemetery that uses natural burial practices (biodegradable caskets, liners, urns, adornments, etc., No embalming too)
• Low-impact: conventional cemetery with a dedicated area for natural burial practices
• Natural: low impact burial grounds that maintain the natural landscape
• Conservation: natural burial grounds backed by a conservation organization

New York has the highest number of green cemeteries, so it is not difficult to get access to one. But if you wish to adopt the same practices on your property, that’s possible too.

      4. Home Burial

In most of the US, including New York, it is possible to be buried on your or your loved one’s private property. It can be an in-ground burial, an above-ground burial, or a green burial. The choice is up to you.

However, in NY, the law requires you to hire a funeral director to help navigate the process.

Whatever type of burial you choose, we can help. Our Albertson, NY funeral home has over 30 years of experience helping families create meaningful funeral services. We are available 24/7. Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our funeral directors.