Deciding on the type of burial to memorialize you is a profoundly personal decision between you and your loved ones. It’s an important way that your memory will be kept alive forever so you’ll need to weigh your burial options carefully.
This section is designed to guide you through the five main memorialization and burial options available – including burial in a plot or burial in a mausoleum.
In-Ground Burial – The Traditional Cemetery Burial Option
As the most traditional burial choice, in-ground burial typically involves a casket and is marked by a memorial tribute. Below ground burials are usually preceded by a funeral service as well.
Below ground burial is the right choice for you if:
- You prefer traditional cemetery burials
- You want to be memorialized alongside other loved ones
- You want outdoor visitations
- You want loved ones to place flowers and other decorations at the site
- You want a marker or monument
Community Mausoleum – The Secure In-Door Memorial Option
A public mausoleum (sometimes referred to as a community mausoleum) is an above ground building memorializing multiple individuals. Mausoleums provide you with a secure enclosure that will remain clean and completely dry without ever letting the casket or vault come in contact with the earth.
Some of the most well-known monuments in history are public mausoleums, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Great Pyramids, Westminster Abbey, and the Tomb of Christ.
The largest one in the Edmonton Area is at Holy Cross Cemetery
Above ground community mausoleum benefits:
- The burial site will always remain dry
- Loved ones can visit in any weather
- Public mausoleums are indoor and above ground
Services before or following burial are many and varied. You can have a traditional service or a unique event that exemplifies the life of your loved one.
To help you plan an extraordinary service reflecting your life or the life of your loved one, see our Celebration of Life Options here
Plan ahead and get more ideas with our Funeral And Cremation Planning Resource Guide
Click here for ideas on Designing Your Perfect Ceremony
Information Required by the Funeral Home
How to Personalize Your Service
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