The Pros and Cons of Mausoleums
It’s prudent to consider all end-of-life options, whether you are preplanning for yourself or recently lost someone you love. While the method of disposition may have already been chosen, you also need to consider the final resting place of the remains.
Let’s consider one option – the private mausoleum. We will discuss the pros and cons of this form of entombment and how that compares to underground burial.
Pros of Mausoleum Entombment
Before we give you points to ponder about the benefits of a mausoleum, let’s take a moment to outline the different types.
Some cemeteries have garden mausoleums. This option allows the family to view the crypt from an outdoor location. Even though this is an above-ground burial option, visitors to a garden mausoleum stand outside to reflect on the life of their loved ones – similar to visiting a traditional burial plot.
Not all cemeteries have a public mausoleum with an indoor room that provides families a protected spot to say goodbye to their loved ones.
The third option is a private (exclusive) mausoleum – designed to hold the remains of an individual and (perhaps) their family.
Here are the pros of constructing a private family-focused mausoleum:
Appeals to individuals who dislike the idea of being buried underground.
You aren’t alone if you are uncomfortable with more traditional burial options. Mausoleums, specifically indoor mausoleums, provide an ecologically friendly indoor space for your eternal resting place.
Offers a private place for family members to grieve.
Unlike public mausoleums, an exclusive mausoleum will give your family member a private space to grieve. In fact, this above ground monument constructed in your local cemetery (or other rural areas) can be strategically placed away from prying eyes.
The promise of privacy appeals to families who have spent their lives in the public’s spotlight.
Modern mausoleums are climate controlled.
Those who choose entombment will not only give their loved ones a private place to grieve, but they will also protect their family members from harsh natural elements.
Can be customized to suit your family’s needs.
If you have recently investigated other burial options at popular cemeteries, you may have been surprised to discover the cost and availability of family plots. One of the most significant “mausoleum pros” is that they can be constructed to hold one or two bodies or your entire family. This will reduce the future stress of your progeny from having to find an appropriate burial space nearby. Additionally, it uses less land space than a family plot.
Building your own mausoleum, especially on private land, also excludes you from the rules and regulations of most cemeteries. Your family will not be restricted to limited visiting hours. Also, you can create a one-of-a-kind space, complete with background music, where your mourners can spend time to pray and meditate.
Cons of Building a Family Mausoleum
Family mausoleums aren’t for everyone. One of the most significant cons of a mausoleum is the expense of building an external free standing building. While this option may not be viable for many individuals, it does appeal to some who appreciate how a private mausoleum can act as a tribute to a loved one (such as the Taj Mahal) or a way to celebrate the contributions of a significant family.
Let Forever Legacy Celebrate Your Family’s Contributions
The unpleasant truth about funeral planning is that many families find it an unpleasant task. It requires interacting with a local funeral home and cemetery employees, reading the fine print about the different rules that must be followed.
If you wish to take a more positive, celebratory approach, and you are a family planning ahead, consult with the mausoleum experts at Forever Legacy. Complete the contact form on our website to request a consultation.
Belinda McLeod has a degree in Secondary Education, specializing in English and Journalism. She began her career as a freelance writer in 2018 since a flexible schedule would allow her to help care for an aging parent. Since then, Belinda has specialized in writing for the funeral industry. Belinda has written for Cake, a funeral-planning website, nursing homes, mausoleum companies, cremation companies, and funeral homes.
