Traditional and Immediate Burial: What They Involve
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Traditional burial typically includes embalming, a viewing or visitation, a funeral service, and burial in a casket — usually the most expensive option. Immediate burial skips embalming and a viewing, moving directly to a simpler burial, usually at lower cost.
Burial itself can look quite different depending on which approach a family chooses.
Traditional burial
This is the format most people picture: embalming, a viewing or visitation, a funeral service, and burial in a casket, typically at a cemetery. It generally involves the most steps and, correspondingly, tends to be the most expensive option once all the pieces are added together.
Immediate burial
Immediate burial skips embalming and a viewing, moving more directly to burial — often in a simpler casket. This is typically a lower-cost option, and some families choose it specifically so they can hold a separate, more flexible memorial service later without the time pressure of the body being present.
Traditional Burial
- ✓Embalming + viewing
- ✓Full funeral service
- ✓Generally the most expensive
Immediate Burial
- ✓Skips embalming, viewing
- ✓Simpler casket, faster
- ✓Separate memorial possible later
Neither option is more respectful — this is personal and financial.
Choosing between them
Neither option is more respectful than the other — this is a personal and financial decision. Some families value the traditional format’s structure and the chance for others to view the body; others prefer immediate burial’s simplicity and lower cost, especially if a separate memorial or celebration of life is planned afterward.
Cost transparency
Whichever you’re considering, ask for the funeral home’s General Price List to see itemized costs — this makes it much easier to understand exactly what you’re paying for either option.
Costs and specific requirements vary by region and funeral home — direct comparison is the best way to understand pricing for your area.
Frequently asked questions
Is embalming legally required for traditional burial?+
Generally no — embalming is usually not legally required unless there's a specific reason like extended time before burial or transport across certain jurisdictions. Funeral homes may recommend it for a viewing, but it's typically a choice, not a requirement.
Why is immediate burial less expensive?+
It skips costs associated with embalming, a viewing or visitation, and often a more elaborate service, moving directly to burial in a simpler casket.
Can we still have a memorial service later with immediate burial?+
Yes — many families choose immediate burial specifically so they can have a separate, more flexible memorial service later, without the time pressure of the body being present.
What does traditional burial typically cost compared to immediate burial?+
Traditional burial with a full funeral service is typically among the most expensive options due to embalming, viewing, casket, and service costs combined; immediate burial is usually significantly less expensive. Ask funeral homes for their General Price List to compare specific costs in your area.
Sources
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