Burial and Cremation

100 Best Examples of Epitaphs

An epitaph is a meaningful tombstone tribute to someone who has died. Here are 100 of the best epitaph examples.

Understanding How Are Cremation Diamonds Made: A Comprehensive Guide

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most profound challenges. Families often search for a way to carry their memory forward, not only in their hearts but in something tangible they can hold onto. Cremation diamonds, also called memorial diamonds, have emerged as a deeply meaningful option. They transform ashes or hair into a gemstone that can be cherished for generations.

How Much Does Cremation Cost?

has become very popular in recent years. In a 2024 report from the National Funeral Directors Association, 61.9% of Americans were projected to choose cremation versus 33.2% who were expected to opt for a traditional burial. One reason for this is that cremation is usually less expensive than burial.

How to Find a Crematory

If you’re making final plans for yourself or a loved one, and cremation is part of the plan, you’ll need to find a crematory. This is the location where the cremation takes place.

Arranging the Interment of Ashes

Interment of ashes is when cremated remains are buried in the ground or placed in a building designed to hold ashes, known as a columbarium. This is an option if you prefer not to scatter them or display them in your home.

Burial and Cremation Alternatives

Our guide to the most common alternatives to standard burial or cremation.

Where Can I Scatter My Loved One's Ashes Legally?

Guidelines on where it is and isn't okay to scatter cremated remains and whether you need permission.

Burial vs. Cremation: Pros, Cons, and How to Decide the Best Option

“Do I want to be buried or cremated?” is a decision we all must face in the end. 

How to Pre-Plan a Funeral

Planning your own funeral may not be easy, but deciding your funeral arrangements in advance can give peace of mind to your family when the time comes. Learn why funeral pre-planning is helpful, then use our detailed checklist to guide you through the steps of pre-planning a funeral. 

How to Choose a Cemetery

If you're planning a funeral and burial, you're faced with deciding which cemetery is the right choice. Whether you're pre-planning for yourself long before you'll need it, or you're quickly organizing a loved one's funeral after their death, you'll need to take a number of factors into account as you choose a cemetery.

What Is a Traditional 20th-Century U.S. Burial?

Almost half of Americans bury their dead. At its heart, burial is a very simple concept: A hole is dug; a body is placed in it and covered with earth. When we refer to a "traditional 20th-century American-style burial," we're being a little more specific: We mean a burial that includes embalming, a coffin or casket, and a burial vault – three elements that have become somewhat standardized over the past 150 years.

How Funeral Directors Can Help a Family

A funeral director can be one of your most important allies in the days and weeks after a loved one's death. Whether the funeral was prepared for years in advance, or the death was unexpected and you're making all the arrangements in a grief-stricken hurry, there's so much you can lean on a funeral director for. Here are eight important tasks a funeral director helps a family with.

What It's Like When Your Parents Pre-Plan Their Funerals

Mom and Dad wanted to have the talk. Here's what happened when we sat down.

What Is a Wake?

A wake is one of the ceremonies some people perform after a death. It’s often used interchangeably with visitation or viewing, though historically it was a different kind of ceremony from our modern-day visitation.

How to Find the Best Burial Insurance Policy

What final expenses does burial insurance cover? And is funeral insurance right for you?

What Is the Difference Between a Coffin and a Casket?

Selecting a coffin or casket is an important choice to make in regard to funeral planning. The difference between a coffin and casket is in the design.

How Much Does the Average Funeral Cost?

The average funeral with burial costs $8,755, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. But what does that include, what does it not include, and how much can it vary?  

What Is a Green Burial or Natural Funeral?

The basic point of a natural or "green" burial is to tread as lightly on the earth as possible with the way we lay a body to rest.

The Embalming Process: How it Works

Embalming is a process performed by licensed funeral professionals that slows the decomposition of a human body after death by adding chemicals to replace bodily fluids. It's typically chosen by families that wish to have an open-casket funeral service.

How Cemeteries Work: Questions About Cemetery Grounds

Things to consider when choosing a cemetery for a funeral.

How to Plan a Funeral After a Death

A loved one has died, and now it’s up to you to plan the funeral. It is challenging to plan a service and grieve at the same time, You don’t have to do it alone — expert funeral directors are available to help. Use Legacy’s checklist to guide you as you find a funeral home and   that is meaningful and comforting.

Can You Bury Your Pet With You After You Die?

It is possible in some places to have your pet with you for eternity.

What Are Your Options for a Green Funeral?

Five approaches for a more environmentally friendly end of life.

How to Choose Cremation Urns and Keepsakes

The right urn will reflect a loved one's life (and suit the type of memorial service or scattering event you have in mind).

Why Cemeteries Are Important

Have you been to a cemetery lately? More and more people are visiting these fascinating places, and not just to visit their lost loved ones' graves.

Green Funerals and Natural Burial (Video Transcription)

Funeral director Shari Wolf of Natural Grace Funerals in Los Angeles discusses environmentally friendly death care options for families.