In-ground burial is the most traditional burial option. Often, the body is first embalmed because the family wants to hold a visitation where the casket is open. However, embalming is not required.
In-ground burial consists of 5 components:
1) Casket - Holds the body of the deceased.
2) Gravesite - The plot or space where your loved one will be buried.
3) Headstone and Grave Marker - These two burial monuments generally contain:
- The deceased’s name
- Date of birth and death
- Words of identification such as mother, son, brother, friend, etc.
- A quote of importance to the deceased
- Religious or philosophical sayings
Burial headstones are upright granite monuments usually found at cemeteries, where grave markers are flat bronze plaques placed on a granite stone base usually found at memorial parks.
4) Burial Vault - Used to support the soil above and around the casket. Often they are made out of concrete and lined with plastic.
5) Gravesite Preparation & Maintenance - A plot needs to be dug into the ground and later back-filled. Some landscaping work may also be needed to restore the gravesite’s original appearance.
With traditional in-ground burial, cemeteries generally allow you to buy these types of burial plots:
1) Single Burial Plot: This type of plot accommodates the burial of one individual.
2) Companion Plots: This is the purchase of two burial plots right beside each other. Generally, married couples choose to purchase their burial plots in this manner.
3) Double Depth Plots: This is a type of companion plot. In this scenario individuals are buried one atop of another in a single space. This is another option married couples often choose. Double depth plots are often cheaper than side-by-side plots because generally only one burial vault is needed.
4) Family Plots: At some cemeteries, a family can purchase a small area of the cemetery that will be dedicated to the burial of all family members. The area could simply be a row of single plots.