When deciding what to do with your loved ones remains after the funeral is complete there are several options you can look at.  What you choose could depend on whether or not you are cremating the remains or not.  In some cases you have the same options regardless of what you’ve done with the remains.  Below is a list of some of the available options you might have to choose from your state.

Niche Burial

A niche is a small rectangular section of a large stone or concrete wall.  In a single niche wall you might find hundreds or even thousands of individual niches.  Normally a niche can be purchased in one cube or two cube sections.  This is a popular options for people who are looking for an inexpensive (in comparison to burial) place to put the cremated remains of their loved one. 

The same regulations still apply in this case to the remains, they may be in a cardboard box, or a fancy urn, the choice is entirely yours.  Depending on the size of the niche you purchase you might be able to have it reopened at a later time to add more urns and more remains.  Talk to your cemetery operator about what size niche would be best for you and your loved one.

Grave Burial

A grave is pretty straight forward.  You can purchase a single plot or a double plot and even a family plot in a local cemetery.  The amount you pay will depend on the location of the plot and the size of course. Most plots can hold up to two caskets and up to six sets of cremated remain at any one time. 

You will need to check with the cemetery manager in your state to ensure that these numbers are accurate in your area.  Your funeral director should also have a pretty good idea of occupancy in a single or double plot.

Columbarium

A columbarium is similar in a lot of ways to a mausoleum while is has a lot in common with a niche wall as well.  A columbarium is more or less a fairly large building with a single entrance, inside of the building the walls are lined with niches.  This type of structure is usually entirely dedicated to cremated remains only and does not hold any caskets at all.

Mausoleum

Also mistaken referred to as a tomb.  A mausoleum is a large structure with a roof.  It is completely closed off but has a securely locked door that can be opened in the event of needing to insert another casket, or urn.  Either type of remains can be placed into a mausoleum.  The inside usually has spaces for caskets and separate niche for cremated remains, but in other cases all are just stacked on the ground inside.  

Cremation

Some people choose to keep their loved ones cremated remains in their homes.  This is not an option unless the body is cremated of course.  Some feel that since home is where the heart is they will keep their loved ones with them until they pass away as well.  At that time they plan to be buried together.  This is a perfect acceptable options for anyone who has cremated the remains of their family member.