Bodies are most often buried or cremated. Burials take place at cemeteries. Cemetery services tend to focus on the internment of the deceased: outer casket, burial plot (or mausoleum crypt), actual burial and headstones (engravings). Sometimes a service is conducted at the gravesite. In these cases, the cemetery usually manages the process because chairs, shade tents, microphones and other arrangements must be made. Today’s cemeteries are often part of larger groups that provide mortuary-related services.
Cremation involves the burning of the body into ashes. Ashes are then placed in one or more holding containers. Most States require certificates indicating who will receive the ashes and where they will reside.