One of the main decisions involved with funeral planning is choosing a final resting place. If your loved one didn't specify their preferences before passing, making this selection during a time of grief can be challenging. To make the process easier, learn more about your options below.

What Are Some Final Placement Options?

Burial services are broken into two main categories: above-ground and in-ground. With in-ground burials, the choice mainly revolves around the size of the plot needed. Single plots are designed for one casket, while double or family plots provide space for more loved ones in the future. The same options are available for urns, but the plots are smaller.

Mausoleums are structures built to house caskets above ground. A private mausoleum can house one or more loved ones, depending on the size, and access is restricted to approved individuals. Alternatively, a community mausoleum houses multiple individuals and is open to the public. A columbarium also provides the same placement style for urns.

Additionally, there are a few alternative options available. For example, a lawn crypt offers a mix between above- and in-ground burials, as an above-ground crypt that's wrapped with sod houses the casket. Green funeral services have also become more common in recent years, as have the scattering of ashes.

How to Choose the Right One

Religious customs and family traditions may influence your choices when making funeral arrangements. Additionally, the needs of surviving loved ones are important. For example, if you want to make sure there's a physical location for family members to visit, a cemetery, mausoleum, or columbarium is an excellent choice. You also need to consider if other family members want their final resting place near the deceased’s.

The compassionate staff at Porto Funeral Homes understands the challenges faced after losing a loved one. For over 75 years, this local funeral home has served the needs of communities across New Haven County, CT, helping with everything from funeral arrangements to urn selection. They're dedicated to helping families honor their loved ones in the most respectful manner. Learn more about the planning process online, and request assistance today by calling (203) 467-3000 for East Haven or (203) 934-5000 for West Haven.