In-Ground Burial

Although trends are shifting, earth burials in a cemetery are still quite common.  The deceased human being, placed into a Casket or Alternative Container by the Funeral Home is brought to a cemetery, usually selected by the family, and placed either into the earth, or a mausoleum space above ground.  Burials may follow a gathering at the Funeral Home, service at a Church or House of Worship, or the ceremony or religious service may be held at the graveside instead.  Certain religious such as eastern orthodox christianity, judaism, or islam have strict requirements that their dead be placed in the ground.  

Cemetery Types

Monumental cemetery: A monumental cemetery is the traditional style of cemetery where headstones or other monuments made of marble or granite rise vertically above the ground.  There are countless different types of designs for headstones, ranging from very simple to large and complex.

Lawn cemetery: A lawn cemetery is where each grave is marked with a small commemorative plaque that is placed horizontally at the head of the grave at ground-level.  Families can still be involved in the design and the information contained on the plaque, however in most cases the plaques are a standard design. 

Mausoleum: A mausoleum is an external free-standing building constructed as a monument enclosing the interment space or burial chamber of a deceased person or people.  A mausoleum may be considered a type of tomb or the tomb may be considered to be within the mausoleum.  The most famous mausoleum is the Taj Mahal in India.

Columbarium: Columbarium walls are generally reserved for cremated remains.  While cremated remains can be kept at home by families or scattered somewhere significant to the deceased, a columbarium provides friends and family a place to come to mourn and visit.  Columbarium walls do not take up a lot of space and it is a cheaper alternative to a burial plot.

Burial FAQ

Why is there a fee to open and close the grave?

Opening and closing fees can include up to and beyond 50 separate services provided by the cemetery.  Typically, the opening and closing fee include administration and permanent record keeping (determining ownership, obtaining permission and the completion of other documentation which may be required, entering the interment particulars in the interment register, maintaining all legal files); opening and closing the grave (locating the grave and laying out the boundaries, excavating and filling the interment space); installation and removal of the lowering device; placement and removal of artificial grass dressing and coco-matting at the grave site, leveling, tamping, re-grading and sodding the grave site and leveling and re-sodding the grave if the earth settles. 

Can we dig our own grave to avoid the charge for opening and closing?

The actual opening and closing of the grave is just one component of the opening and closing fee.  Due to safety issues which arise around the use of machinery on cemetery property and the protection of other gravesites, the actual opening and closing of the grave is conducted by cemetery grounds personnel only.

Why is having a place to visit so important?

To remember and to be remembered are natural human needs.  A permanent memorial in a cemetery provides a focal point for remembrance and memorializing the deceased.  Throughout human history, memorialization of the dead has been a key component of almost every culture.  Psychologists say that remembrance practices, from the funeral or memorial service to permanent memorialization, serve an important emotional function for survivors by helping them bring closure and allowing the healing process to begin.  Providing a permanent resting place for the deceased is a dignified treatment for a loved one’s mortal remains, which fulfills the natural human desire for memorialization.

What happens when a cemetery runs out of land?

When a cemetery runs out of land, it will continue to operate and serve the community.  Most cemeteries have crematoriums, and some historic cemeteries even offer guided tours.

In a hundred years will this cemetery still be there?

We think of cemetery lands as being in perpetuity.  There are cemeteries throughout the world that have been in existence for hundreds of years.

How soon after or how long after a death must an individual be buried?

There is no law that states a specific time from for burial.  Considerations that will affect timeline include the need to secure all permits and authorizations, notification of family and friends, preparation of cemetery site and religious considerations.  Public heath laws may have limitations on the maximum length of time allowed to pass prior to final disposition.  Contact your local funeral provider for more details.

Does a body have to be embalmed before it is buried?

No.  Embalming is not required by law.  However, certain funeral arrangements such as an open casket viewing of the body may require that embalming be selected.  The New Rochelle Funeral Home will note the reason for embalming on the Statement of Goods and Services Selected you will receive at the time of the Arrangement Conference.

What options are available besides ground burial?

Besides ground burial, some cemeteries offer interment in above ground lawn crypts or entombment in mausoleums.  In addition, most cemeteries provide choices for those who have selected cremation.  These often include placement of cremated remains in a niche of a columbarium or interment in an urn space. 

What are burial vaults and grave liners?

These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed.  Constructed of Concrete, Steel or Composite Materials, burial vaults and grave liners support the weight of the earth above the casket to reduce maintenance of the grounds by the cemetery.  The difference between a grave liner and a Vault is that a Vault is usually designed to divert graveside substances such as water away from the casket. 

Must I purchase a burial vault?

Most area cemeteries do not require a vault or grave liner, but some do.  Also, some cemeteries only require it in certain sections due to the presence of ground water or soft soil composition.  Our Funeral Professional will advise you as to the requirement of an outer burial container requirement when arrangements are finalized.

There are alternatives to burial. See Cremation Services