If your loved one has recently passed away, you’ll want to provide a dignified ceremony to commemorate their life and mark their passing. If they’ve requested a cemetery burial, you can safely cross one big decision off your list. Now, use the following frequently asked questions to learn how to arrange this funeral option.

What You Should Know About Burials

How do I reserve a spot for my loved one?

Unless your loved one requested burial in a specific private plot, you’ll need to look for a local cemetery that has availability. Then you can view the spot and ensure it’s in a location you approve of. Once you’ve decided, you can purchase the cemetery plot and officially reserve your loved one’s final resting place.

What are my options for a cemetery burial?

In most cases, you can choose to have your loved one buried in-ground or above-ground. In-ground will likely be in a grassy area, next to other burial sites and monuments. Above-ground options include a private crypt or a spot in a shared mausoleum—a structure that can be indoors or outdoors in which individuals are interred behind plaques in a stone or marble wall.

Can we say goodbye before the burial?

Before your loved one is laid to rest, you can arrange for an open-casket wake or viewing. In this ceremony, the individual’s body is preserved to prevent decomposition, and makeup and formal clothing are applied. Then, family and friends can say goodbye to their loved one face-to-face, as they assume a sleeplike position in an open casket.

What purchases should I prepare for?

In addition to a cemetery plot, for a traditional burial you will also need to purchase a casket for your loved one. These come in a variety of sizes, materials, and colors, from white lacquered wood with silver hardware to stained mahogany wood. You’ll also need to pick out a headstone or gravestone for an in-ground burial and choose the inscription it will display.

If you’re looking for a trusted local cemetery, choose Oak Grove Cemetery of La Crosse, WI. They’ve been interring loved ones since 1852, and they still have availability on their park like grounds. Once your relative or friend is buried, you’ll be happy to stroll through the picturesque grounds to pay your respects. To learn more about their burial plans, visit the website. You can also call (608) 782-6956 to speak with a representative and view their Facebook page for updates.