Understanding Burial: Myths, Facts, and Options

In this second of our two part series, we hope to provide details about the option of choosing a burial for a loved one who has passed. Part one, which ran two weeks ago, provided information about cremation. The purpose of this series is to give families enough information to help them make an informed decision about which is best for them.

Burial remains a deeply valued choice for many families, often tied to tradition, faith, and the desire for a permanent resting place. While it has been part of human culture for centuries, modern burial offers far more variety and personalization than many people realize.

Burials do not always have to follow a set format—a traditional cemetery service with little room for variation. While that is a familiar option, today’s burials can take many forms. Families may choose a graveside service, a memorial in another setting, such as a chapel, or a private gathering with only close family present. Burial can be paired with a traditional funeral, or arranged as a simpler farewell without formalities. Families can choose meaningful readings, music, or symbolic gestures during the service. Memorial markers can be designed to reflect the individual’s personality or life’s work. Gravesites can be adorned with flowers, plants, or personal mementos.

For many, the choice of casket and burial location is difficult for families. Cost often comes into play, as do the personal desires that a loved one may have expressed before passing or the opinions of members of the surviving family. While some burial options can be expensive, there are many modest choices that still create a dignified and meaningful tribute. Families can select simpler caskets, smaller plots, or less elaborate memorial markers to work within their budget.

One of the strongest benefits of burial is the sense of place it provides. A permanent resting place offers family and friends a location to visit, reflect, and connect with memories. For many, this ongoing connection becomes a source of comfort through the years, especially in the case of a family plot. Historically, burials have been a powerful way to honor a life while preserving tradition. It allows families to personalize the farewell, blending heritage with meaningful details that truly reflect the life being celebrated.

There is no single “right” choice between cremation and burial. The most important thing is selecting the option that reflects your loved one’s wishes, your family’s traditions, and the way you wish to remember them. At Hilgenfeld Mortuary, we are always here to answer questions, guide you through the details, and ensure that every decision is made with care, compassion, and respect. Whether you choose cremation or burial, we will help you create a farewell that truly honors a unique and irreplaceable life.