8 Cremation Alternatives for You or a Loved One
By Cassie Barthuly, BA in English
Blog
Burial
Burial, also known as internment, is the method of placing a deceased body into the ground. Humans have buried their dead since ancient times, and this has been a practical option for millennia.
Burial alternatives
While traditional burials are still a common way to lay a loved one to rest, you have many options to consider. Burial alternatives offer a similar focus on remembrance and honoring your loved one, but the body isn't buried within the ground. Examples of burial alternatives are donation, cryonics, space burials, cremation, and even green burial. This is a highly personal choice, and it's a way to share your legacy.
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Burial urns and caskets
Burial urns and caskets are placed within the ground, typically in a cemetery. These come in all different types of materials, colors, and sizes. Burial urns hold cremated remains, while burial caskets hold the bodies of the deceased. Traditionally, these are buried 6 feet below the ground, and this is still common practice in most parts of the world today. The more you know about burial urns and caskets, the better prepared you'll be to make an informed decision.
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A Guide to Urns for Ashes: Types, Cost & Where to Buy
By Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education
12 Popular Places You Can Buy Urns Online
By Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education
Green burials
While traditional burials are costly and take a toll on the environment, green burials offer a new alternative. In a green burial, the body is placed into the earth naturally, without the use of a metal casket or burial vault. The purpose of a green burial is to allow the body to naturally return to earth, similar to how humans were buried in ancient times. This is a more affordable, eco-friendly choice.
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Natural Burials Explained: Meaning, Cost & Planning
By Jasmine Tanguay, BA, MS
Green vs. Traditional Embalming: What’s the Difference?
By Sherrie Johnson, BA in Liberal Studies
Religious & cultural burial traditions
There's much you can learn about a culture from their traditions around death and dying. Burial is an important way to say goodbye to loved ones in many parts of the world, and each culture has its own ways to honor the dead. From special prayers to wakes, these customs are a way for families to get the support they need while expressing grief over their loss.
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Guide to Death & Dying in Different Cultures Around the World
By Klaudia Krystyna
All Articles about Burial
How Deep Are You Supposed to Bury an Urn?
By Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education
What Happens to Ashes After They’re Buried?
By Sherrie Johnson, BA in Liberal Studies
Best Burial & Cremation Alternatives: Companies + Products
By Jasmine Tanguay, BA, MS
Want to Become a Tree When You Die? Here’s How
By Kate Wight, BA in English
Do You Need a Coffin to Be Buried? 8 Alternatives
By Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education
What’s an Oversized Casket? 6 Types Explained
By Sam Tetrault, BA in English
Stainless Steel Caskets Explained: Costs, Types + Features
By Sam Tetrault, BA in English
How Much Does It Really Cost to Embalm a Body?
By Sarah Kessler
12 Popular Types of Pine Box Caskets Explained
By Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education
Jewish Caskets Explained: Types, Traditions + Cost
By Sherrie Johnson, BA in Liberal Studies
12 Types of Solid Mahogany Caskets Explained
By Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education
6 Tips to Find an Affordable Coffin for Burial or Cremation
By Sam Tetrault, BA in English
Biodegradable Coffins: Costs, Types & How They Work
By Sarah Kessler
8 Best Wooden Caskets for a Loved One's Burial
By Sam Tetrault, BA in English
What Are Caskets Usually Made Out Of? 13 Materials
By Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education
What’s a Memorial Tree Forest for Burials or Scattering Ashes?
By Sam Tetrault, BA in English
Why Are Flowers Placed On Caskets & Gravesites?
By Sam Tetrault, BA in English
What’s the Process for a Traditional Burial? 10 Steps Explained
By Sarah Kessler
Pet Caskets: Types, Cost, & Alternatives
By Sherrie Johnson, BA in Liberal Studies
7 Best Barnwood Casket Types for a Loved One
By Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education
Guide to Wicker Caskets: Types, Cost & Materials
By Sherrie Johnson, BA in Liberal Studies
What’s a Promethean Casket? Price, Function, & Burials
By Sam Tetrault, BA in English
Camouflage Caskets: Costs & Where to Purchase
By Kate Wight, BA in English
What’s a Casket Saddle Used For?
By Sam Tetrault, BA in English
Cardboard Burial Caskets Explained: Price & Types
By Joe Oliveto, BA in English