Understanding Burial Options
Whether a traditional burial or cremation, a family still has options to consider for the remains of their loved one. The most common method is having the casketed remains interred at a plot inside of a cemetery, or even the ashes after cremation.
Cemetery plots can be purchased to hold one or two individual caskets, and many families often purchase multiple plots at one time so that they can all be buried next to one another in the future. Double depth plots allow two caskets to be stacked on top of each other, a practice that is typically seen with married couples.
Certain cemeteries in Troy might insist on vaults being constructed underground first before the casket is lowered, while others allow a burial without a vault. Vaults are constructed of cement blocks and help to hold the surrounding dirt in place. This prevents sinkholes from developing in the future as the caskets begin to decompose.
Above Ground Burials
The use of above ground vaults is more popular in areas that are below sea level, like New Orleans. The vaults, or tombs, are constructed to perfectly house one or more caskets. Generations of a family can use the same crypt, with older remains being placed inside of a smaller container to make room for the more recently deceased.
Private mausoleums are another type of above ground vault, and can be built with niches to house caskets and urns. Like vaults, these can be made large enough to store the remains of an entire family. When a new family member passes away, the cemetery must be notified immediately so that an area can be cleaned and arranged for the casket or urn.
Special Provisions for Urns
As more individuals are opting for cremation, cemeteries have begun making special accommodations for the safe storage of ashes. A columbaria is an above ground building exclusively for cremated remains. Each wall is lined with niches to house urns, and families are welcome to come and pay their respects in the same way that they would at a traditional burial site.
The Columbarium is an ideal solution for families who are unsure of how to preserve the remains of a loved one, or where. Rather than keeping them in a home, the cemetery provides the solemn environment that some individuals believe is necessary for their departed loved ones.
Cremated remains can also be buried, providing the family with a traditional space to visit and pay respects. Biodegradable urns are available or the ashes can be placed in a small vessel that is constructed with the same materials as a casket.
The choice on how to bury (or not to bury) the remains of a loved one are based heavily on personal and cultural beliefs. What may seem disrespectful to some is entirely acceptable to others. Individuals should know all of the options available, including caskets Troy, and then choose the one that best fits with their family’s beliefs and customs.