If you are in the middle of funeral service planning, there are many decisions and responsibilities that can be overwhelming. It's often a new experience for families, and understanding the ins and outs can make it easier during trying times. While you'll need to write an obituary and send out notices, choosing between grave liners and burial vaults can help honor the life of your loved one. Here is a guide to each option to help you make the right decision.

Grave Liner

A grave liner is a burial receptacle that's often required by cemeteries. It's used to protect caskets and preserve the ground above them. Without them, the weight of the earth and the exposure to soil would quickly break down the casket. Additionally, a depression could form above the grave, and the soil may not be strong enough to support heavy earth-moving equipment.

Grave liners are often made of concrete and comfortably hold a casket. Because they’re porous, groundwater easily flows into and through the liner. The liners aren’t sealed and have holes drilled into the bottom to further facilitate water passage and support the soil around the casket. Because water passes, these liners will break down over time, releasing the remains into the soil.

Burial Vault

A burial vault resembles a liner, but it is thicker and sealed to prevent water exposure. This keeps the casket dry and preserved over time. To prevent the soil above from collapsing, a polymer liner is often included to reinforce the vault. A vault works best for family members who prefer that their loved one's remains are preserved, which may give them peace of mind. However, it should be noted that vaults are more expensive, which is something to keep in mind when budgeting for the funeral service.

If you'd like guidance when choosing between a grave liner or burial vault, the team at Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home knows how difficult planning a funeral service is and is proud to support clients through their trying times. Based in Rochester, NY, this funeral home provides a wide range of services, including cremation, memorials, and grief counseling. Call (585) 426-7830 to schedule a consultation and visit their website for additional resources.