There are many ways people can honor the dearly departed. Some choose traditional burial, while others turn to cremation. Yet, perhaps one of the oldest forms of entombing is the use of mausoleums. These structures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all serve the same purpose: to memorialize those who have left us.

A Guide to Mausoleums

A mausoleum is a large tomb that’s usually made from stone and used to entomb the deceased above ground. Many of these stone structures have a burial chamber that’s meant for the casket, and some also contain columbaria for cremains.

These catacombs are popular because they provide more room than other options for the family to incorporate structures and decor into the resting place. Additionally, they are considered  ecologically friendly. Depending on the crypt size, many family members can be entombed in a single structure.

What are the Different Styles? 

There are many different memorial styles, but some of the most common include:

• Public: These are also referred to as “community mausoleums,” and are most appealing to those who wish to be financially savvy. These are usually found in larger cemeteries and house many remains.
• Companion Crypts: Companion crypts are built to hold two caskets. Many married couples choose this style because it saves space and they can rest in peace together, above ground, and share a memorial marker.

Are There Benefits?

There are many benefits to this kind of burial. A mausoleum can provide your loved one with a dry, above ground-burial and are also cost-effective. They can also be made completely private, especially for well-known or large families. Plus, locating your loved one’s final resting place will also be easier, as a mausoleum will stand out.

Because the interior can be custom designed, many loved ones choose to include a shrine or memorial of some kind inside a walk-in mausoleum. This allows visitors to say a prayer or pass along their well wishes for those who have passed.

Finding the right way to memorialize a loved one who has passed can be challenging. That’s why the caring and compassionate staff at Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix, NY, are dedicated to providing high-quality and affordable memorials, mausoleums, and headstones for families throughout Syracuse, Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Madison counties. They also offer repairs and restorations for those memorials that have been damaged by the elements. To find out what they can craft for your dearly departed, call (315) 695-3376, or visit their website for more information.