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A burial is the most expensive way to inter a person's remains due primarily to the cost of the casket and cemetery plot. Burials, however, are an important part of certain religious and cultural traditions.

Types of Burials

There are several different types of burials for the family of the deceased to consider while making funeral arrangements:

Direct Burials

The body is buried shortly after death in a simple container. There is no viewing or visitation and embalming is not necesary. A memorial service might be held at the graveside or elsewhere any time following the burial. A direct burial is the least expensive type of burial.

Traditional Burials

Traditional burials typically include a viewing or visitation at the funeral home followed by a full funeral service and the transportation of the remains by hearse to the cemetery for the burial.

Green Burials

A "green burial" is a burial that ensures the burial site remain as natural as possible. The body is interred in a biodegradable casket or shroud, and no embalming fluid is used. For more information on green burials, contact the Green Burial Council.

Veteran Burials

Veterans are entitled to a free burial in a national cemetery and a grave marker. The spouses and dependent children of veterans are also entitled to a lot and marker when buried in a national cemetery. A funeral home can help you make arrangements for veterans, or you can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs independently. To find your region's Veterans Affairs office, call 1.800.827.1000.

Watch out for commercial cemeteries advertising "Veteran's Specials." They may offer plots for free, but will charge exorbitantly for adjoining plots and the opening and closing of the grave.

Jewish Burials

Jewish law doesn't permit cremation or embalming. Bodies must be buried as soon as possible following death, preferably within the first 24 hours. The body cannot be left alone prior to burial and must be buried in a casket made entirely of wood so as not to interfere with the body's "return to the earth." Consult a Rabbi for guidance.

Embalming

Embalming is a process which temporarily prevents the body from decomposing after death thereby preserving it for a viewing or open casket funeral. Embalming is done primarily by arterial injection and is required by most funeral homes if you are planning on having a wake or visitation.

However, embalming is not necessary or legally required. Forgoing embalming in favor of a direct burial, cremation or a closed casket funeral can save you hundreds of dollars. Embalming cannot be provided without your permission, and the cost of embalming must be provided to you in writing.

Caskets

A casket is the most expensive item you'll buy for a traditional burial and full-service funeral. Caskets range in price from roughly $2,000 - $10,000.

Thanks to the Funeral Rule, the mortuary is required to show you a full price list of the caskets sold by the home before you see the actual caskets. It's important that you look at this list. According to the FTC, most people buy one of the first three caskets they look at so it's in the funeral home's best interest to show you the higher priced models first. Some mortuaries won't even put the cheapest options on the salesfloor.

If you find a casket online or at another establishment that you'd prefer using, the funeral home that you've made the rest of your arrangements with is required to use it.

In addition to the casket, you will be required to buy some kind of burial vault or grave liner. This is a cover which fits over the tops and sides of the casket to prevent the ground around the casket from settling following the burial. The mortuary must provide a separate list of costs associated with the grave liner as well as the casket.

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