After cremation, family members of the departed have several options for memorializing their loved one. Options include scattering (Green Burial), keeping cremains at home, or interment, which refers to the burial of the ashes in a permanent, meaningful place. Interment can be done in a variety of locations and with accompanying heartfelt ceremonies. This guide explains how you can plan a touching departure for a cremated loved one.

Where Can Ashes Be Buried?

Following cremation, many families choose to place their loved ones’ ashes in urns. These can be buried on both private and public land, including:

• Churchyards
• Columbariums
• Green Burials
• Public Cemeteries
• Private Property

Each of these locations requires permission from the landowners. When burying on private property, most people choose yards of friends or family members of the deceased; abiding to any local laws.

What Happens During an Interment Service?

Post-cremation ceremonies are similar to funerals. The speaker, called a “celebrant,” may be a member of the clergy, a trusted friend, or a group of people taking turns speaking.

Ashes are typically placed on a stand, before the ceremony, which typically can last 10 minutes or even up to an hour. An event usually begins with an invocation, a short speech, or a prayer. Eulogists are then invited to speak about the departed. A closing prayer and final good bye ends the service.

Once all loved ones have given their final goodbye, the urn will be buried or placed in a niche, in the columbarium, by the cemetery staff. All family and friends at this point have left the area.  Once the urn is in it’s final resting place the family and friends and may return at any time the location has visiting hours.  Flowers can then be left in a vase usually provided by the cemetery as often as you wish.   Most cemeteries have emblems (including photos of the loved one) that can be placed on the outside of the niche .  Visit all your local cemeteries to see the options they offer and find the perfect location for your or your loved ones final resting place.

If you’re planning an interment for your loved one, turn to Arndt Funeral Home LLC in Rochester, NY, for considerate arrangement assistance. These kind professionals have been providing celebrations of life, funeral services, and cremations to families since 1975. Their urns come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles to suit your needs. Call (585) 225-6350 to learn more about what this family-owned business does, or learn more about their services online.