If you're pre-planning end-of-life arrangements or making decisions on behalf of a loved one, you have many options to consider when it comes to a final resting place. Many people choose above-ground placement rather than traditional burial, but then you're again left with two options. Mausoleums and columbariums both place remains above the ground is a respectful way, honoring the lives of those who have passed. Learn more about these burial options to determine which is right for you and your loved ones.

How Are They Different?

While a columbarium is a structure used to house cremated remains, a mausoleum can hold full-body remains. Both options are available for one individual but are often chosen to accommodate entire families. While mausoleums have been more popular among past generations, columbariums have been appearing more frequently in recent decades due to the rising popularity of cremation.

Which Option Is Right for Your Family?

Choosing between a mausoleum and columbarium comes down to your preference for cremation or full-body disposition. Cremation is typically more affordable than full-body disposition, and it also provides greater flexibility for planning a memorial. Thus, choosing a columbarium is well-suited for families with dispersed friends and loved ones. With that said, some individuals prefer traditional disposition due to personal or religious beliefs, in which case a mausoleum may be a better fit. 

Neither memorial option is associated with any specific religious background. Thus, whether your family worships a particular faith or prefers not to associate with any religion in terms of afterlife arrangements, either memorial can be chosen to align with your wishes.

No matter which type of memorial you’re considering for yourself or your loved ones, Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix County, NY, can help you select the best option for your needs. Having served Syracuse and Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Madison counties since 1932, this team provides mausoleums, plaques, and columbariums made from quality materials with detail-oriented craftsmanship. If you have any questions or would like to speak with an expert, reach out online or call (315) 695-3376.