Comparing Above Ground and In Ground Burial

Above ground crypts or mausoleum burials were once reserved for the rich and famous. They are associated with a refined, aristocratic air which makes them an increasingly popular choice for modern burials. But how much more do they cost than a traditional ground burial?

Most people are very surprised to learn that above ground burial usually costs no more than in ground burial when all costs are included. Even though the price of a crypt to hold one casket is more than the price of one grave, the crypt includes several items that must be purchased separately or cost more for in ground burial.

• Memorialization: Bronze lettering for names and dates is included with a crypt, but a monument or memorial for the ground burial must be purchased separately at a cost that is usually $1,000 or more.
• Burial Vault: Most cemetaries require the use of a concrete burial vault to protect the casket when making a ground burial. These vaults can cost $1,200 or more. They are not required at all with above ground burial because the crypt is its own, protective concrete vault, included in the price.
• Burial Fees: Making a ground burial is more labor intensive and therefore more expensive that making an above ground burial. The higher cost of the burial fee can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of in ground burial. 

Once people understand that the cost is about the same for a full casket burial, whether it is in the ground or above the ground, they move on to consider many of the other benefits to above ground burial, such as the ability to visit in comfort year round.  And, of course, above ground burial is available for cremation burials as well and at an even lower cost.

At White Haven Memorial Park, we have many options for you to consider, from above ground burial in our Lasting Light Mausoleum with a cozy fireplace nearby, to cremation burials on our Nature Trail in a beautiful, hardwood forest.  We even offer eco-friendly or “green” burials in a wildflower meadow at White Haven for the environmentally conscious.

Whether you choose an above ground or in ground burial, at White Haven Memorial Park you can be sure your loved one’s memorial will be a beautiful and dignified site at a cost and terms tailored to fit your budget.  For more information about our burial options, please call (585) 586-5250 to set up a tour at no cost or obligation to you. 

White Haven's Nature Trail

Located in Pittsford, New York, White Haven Memorial Park has a variety of lovely settings and a range of options for your burial requests. When you are looking at future options for you or a loved one, consider a natural cremation burial located in the scenic area. White Haven's Nature Trail offers a unique burial option located around a serene pond, under mature pine trees or along a babbling brook. With many cremation burial sites along our beautiful forest paths, White Haven Memorial Park might be the best possible choice for you to commemorate a life lived. 

Called "The Forest", part of the Nature Trail is a stunning forest with plenty of wildlife and added waterfalls. Listen to the soothing sounds of water and enjoy the hums of birds, deer, fox and turkeys wandering by. This picturesque setting is a calm and peaceful place to celebrate the beauty of life. 

Along White Haven's Nature Trail, there are rocks scattered around with bronze plaques. The rocks represent specific spots where someone was buried and the plaques tell a little about them including their names, the dates they lived, and a special phrase or nickname. Because of the limited space amongst the trees in these natural surroundings, only cremations can be accepted in the forest. Burial may be made directly in the earth or in your choice of urn, including biodegradable urn. Memorialization in our nature trail offers a natural rock and a bronze plaque for 1 person or a double space for 2 people. You can even choose a space together for a whole family. 

People often think of cemeteries as gloomy, spooking and scary. When it comes to White Haven, our property is just the opposite. Our nature trail is filled with life and all kinds of reminders that life does go on. If you are interested in an excellent alternative to scattering by providing a special place for loved ones to visit and remember a life well lived, choose a permanent place in our natural setting. 

White Haven Memorial Park is not just your average cemetery. To learn more about our extensive range of services including both full casket and cremation burials, contact White Haven Memorial Park at 585-586-5250.