Traditional Burial Services

Complete guide to traditional burial services and options in Phoenix, including costs, preparation, and ceremony planning.

Written and reviewed by the Phoenix Funeral Guide Editorial Team. Last updated August 2026.

Complete guide to traditional burial services and options in Phoenix, including costs, preparation, and ceremony planning.

Traditional burial remains one of the most common funeral choices in Phoenix. This guide covers everything you need to know about planning a traditional burial service.

The Traditional Burial Process

  1. Body Preparation
    • Embalming (optional but common for viewing)
    • Dressing and cosmetic preparation
    • Placement in casket
  2. Viewing/Visitation
    • Usually 1-2 days before funeral
    • Opportunity for family and friends to pay respects
    • Can be public or private
  3. Funeral Service
    • Religious or secular ceremony
    • Eulogies and readings
    • Music and remembrances
  4. Burial Service
    • Procession to cemetery
    • Graveside ceremony
    • Final committal

Required Elements

  • Casket selection
  • Cemetery plot or mausoleum space
  • Burial vault (required by most cemeteries)
  • Headstone or grave marker

Cost Considerations

Typical Expenses

  • Basic services fee: $2,000-$2,500
  • Embalming: $500-$700
  • Casket: $2,000-$5,000+
  • Cemetery plot: $1,500-$3,000
  • Vault: $1,000-$2,000
  • Headstone: $1,000-$3,000

Choosing a Cemetery

Consider these factors when selecting a cemetery:

  • Location and accessibility
  • Plot availability and cost
  • Cemetery rules and regulations
  • Perpetual care provisions
  • Monument and decoration policies

Planning Tips

  • Start planning early if possible
  • Compare prices from multiple funeral homes
  • Consider pre-planning to lock in current prices
  • Review cemetery contracts carefully
  • Understand all fees and charges

Scheduling Around Phoenix's Climate

Phoenix summers (roughly May through September) commonly bring afternoon highs well over 100°F, and it's a well-established local practice to schedule graveside and outdoor portions of a burial service in the early morning, with the indoor viewing and ceremony held in a climate-controlled venue. If you're planning around the summer months, ask the funeral home and cemetery about morning graveside slots and shaded or covered committal areas.

Legal Requirements

In Phoenix, traditional burial services must comply with: