Though most people don’t consider burial in a cemetery in Charlotte, NC an option for after a cremation, burials are still one of the most common ways of body disposition. If you’re considering a burial for after your own passing, or for the recent passing of a loved one, use this list of frequently asked burial and cremation service questions for more information. 

1. Are There Laws About Burial Timelines? The short answer is no, there are no laws in North Carolina requiring a body to be buried within a specific amount of time. However, there are many steps that need to be taken before a burial can take place, so it’s a good idea to get started as soon as you’re able after a death so your loved one can have a dignified cremation service and burial. 
2. Is Ground Burial the Only Option? There are several options besides traditional ground burial. These include mausoleums, lawn crypts, and cremation internments like urns and columbarium.
3. Why is Burial Necessary? While there are many disposition options besides burial, a burial is a wonderful way to remember the deceased in a constructive way. A big part of the human grief process is memorializing the dead, and a permanent burial place serves as a focal point remembering your lost loved one. A permanent resting place also gives the deceased a dignified ending while still allowing his or her memory to live on.
4. Can I Bury Cremated Remains? Yes, you can bury cremated remains. Some burial options for cremated remains include a burial urn in the ground, or above ground in a columbarium. 
5. Will My Cemetery Close When It Runs Out of Land? Cemeteries do run out of land, but they usually do not close when that happens. They generally remain open for family members to visit graves and can even have guided tours of historic resting places. 
6. What Will Happen to My Loved One’s Grave in the Distant Future? Cemeteries are traditionally thought of as permanent, and the land designation is often in perpetuity. You can visit graves that are more than a hundred-year-old all over the country. It’s nice to think that your loved one’s grave will still be around and treasured by coming generations.  
7. Do I Need A Burial Vault? Burial vaults are the outside container that holds a coffin or casket. Their primary function is to protect the casket and help maintain the grave’s integrity, so the surface doesn’t sink in. Most active cemeteries do require burial vaults to keep the cemetery ground intact and safe.  

These are just a few of the many questions Charlotte, NC residents have about burials, cremations, and cemeteries. If you would like to learn more about Charlotte, NC cemeteries and burials, all you have to do is reach out to Gethsemane Cemetery and Memorial Garden. Please stop by and visit us or give us a call today to learn more about what we can do for you and your loved ones on your time of loss.