A comprehensive, compassionate guide to ceremonies, disposition, and memorialization. Make an informed, meaningful decision with confidence.
Each ceremony type can be personalized to reflect beliefs, culture, and personality. Choose what feels right for you and your loved ones.
Family and friends care for the body in a private home. This may include washing, dressing, viewing, spiritual rituals, storytelling, or quiet time together. Embalming is not required. In many states, families can handle arrangements without a funeral director.
A structured ceremony where the body is present. May include a visitation or viewing period, readings, music, eulogies, and cultural or religious traditions. Embalming is optional. After the funeral, the chosen form of disposition follows.
A ceremony held without the body present. Cremated remains or photos may be displayed. This option allows flexibility in timing and location, and can occur days, weeks, or months after death.
A ceremony held outdoors at the burial site. May involve prayers, readings, military honors, or symbolic gestures such as placing flowers or soil on the casket.
A meaningful option for those connected to the ocean. Cremated remains or whole bodies may be placed at sea following federal regulations. Families can often accompany the vessel to participate in the ceremony.
Disposition refers to the final handling of the body. Each method has specific requirements, options, and considerations.
The body is placed in a casket and buried in a cemetery plot. A vault or grave liner is often required by the cemetery. Embalming is optional but commonly chosen when there will be a viewing.
An environmentally friendly option using biodegradable materials such as a shroud, wicker casket, or simple wooden box. No vault is used. Embalming with formaldehyde is not permitted; refrigeration or dry ice is used instead. Burial takes place in a natural setting or green cemetery.
Cremation uses heat to reduce the body to bone fragments, which are then processed into fine remains. Services can be held before or after cremation.
ContainerA cremation container is required. Options include cardboard, unfinished wood, or other combustible materials. A rental casket may be used for viewing before cremation.
Urn OptionsRemains can be placed in a variety of urns: wood, metal, ceramic, biodegradable, keepsake urns for sharing, scattering tubes, or custom art urns.
Burial of Cremated RemainsCremated remains may be buried in a cemetery plot, placed in a columbarium niche, scattered in a permitted location, or kept at home.
A water-based process using warm water and alkali to gently accelerate natural decomposition. The process produces remains similar to cremation.
ContainerNo casket is required. The body is placed in the chamber with a simple biodegradable shroud or no covering at all.
Urn OptionsFamilies receive processed remains and may choose the same urn options as cremation: display urns, biodegradable urns, keepsake urns, or scattering tubes.
Burial OptionsRemains may be buried in a cemetery, placed in a niche, scattered, or kept at home, just like cremated remains.
The body is placed in a vessel with organic materials such as wood chips and straw. Over several weeks, natural processes transform the body into nutrient-rich soil.
ContainerNo casket or vault is used. A simple biodegradable shroud covers the body. Embalming is not permitted.
Soil OptionsFamilies typically receive one cubic yard of soil. They may take all of it home, receive a portion, or donate some or all to conservation land or forest restoration projects.
Soil DesignationSoil can be used in a private garden, placed around a memorial tree, spread on family land, or donated to partner organizations for ecological restoration.
Meaningful options to remember and celebrate a loved one after disposition.
Many providers allow families to be present or participate in meaningful ways. For eternal reef placements, families can often accompany the remains to the facility, participate in the casting ceremony, and later join a boat trip to place the reef in the ocean. Ask providers about their policies for family involvement.
Every arrangement can be customized to reflect personality, beliefs, and wishes.
Even a simple cremation involves several choices. Understanding your options helps ensure the arrangement is meaningful.
Direct cremation can be arranged through a funeral home or, in some areas, directly with a crematory. Either way, families should understand all available options including ceremony timing, container choices, urn selection, and final placement of remains.
Some choices are not compatible with each other. Review these common conflicts before finalizing plans.
Embalming chemicals are not permitted for human composting. Choose refrigeration or dry ice instead.
Traditional embalming fluids are not allowed. Only non-toxic, biodegradable alternatives may be used if preservation is needed.
Federal regulations may prohibit embalming for full-body burial at sea. Biodegradable materials are required.
If a viewing is desired, cremation must be delayed. A rental casket can be used for the viewing.
Green burial grounds do not allow vaults. Traditional cemeteries often require them.
Some traditions prohibit cremation or require rapid burial. Verify that your chosen method aligns with your beliefs.
Use this checklist to ensure you have considered all your options before making a decision.
Use these practical tools to move from exploring options to making concrete plans.
Assess where you are in the planning process.
Understand cost factors for informed planning.
Important documents to gather and organize.
When to consider different planning stages.
Tip: Print this page to keep these checklists handy. Use your browser's print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) to save as PDF or print a copy.
Be prepared when meeting with funeral homes, crematories, or other service providers.
| Aspect | Traditional Burial | Cremation | Green Burial | Aquamation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Timeline | 3-7 days | 2-5 days | 2-5 days | 3-7 days |
| Key Documents | Death certificate, burial permit, cemetery deed | Death certificate, cremation authorization | Death certificate, burial permit | Death certificate, disposition authorization |
| Container Required | Casket + vault (usually) | Cremation container | Biodegradable only | None (shroud optional) |
| Availability | Widely available | Widely available | Limited locations | Limited (21 states) |
Planning can be emotionally challenging. These resources provide support and additional guidance.
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Laws and regulations vary by state and may change. Always consult with licensed professionals in your area for specific guidance regarding your situation.