What are the final burial or disposition choices?
Most funerals in North America conclude with earth burial, which is burying the remains contained in a casket into the ground. Purchases made for this option generally include a casket, a vault, a cemetery plot, and a headstone or grave marker. Another choice is cremation. People choose cremation for a variety of reasons, including environmental concerns, personal preference, religious beliefs, changing family surroundings, and traditions. Cremation is not intended to replace the elements of the traditional funeral, but is simply an alternative to earth burial or entombment of the body of the deceased. Accompanying funeral services can range from the most traditional with full visitation and memorial service to cremation with minimal services. Above-ground entombment is provided in mausoleums-buildings designed and maintained to house human remains. Mausoleums are especially popular in certain regions of North America. The availability and price ranges of mausoleum crypts vary dependin
