Crowne Vault’s 2026 Cemetery Industry Outlook reveals how cremation growth, delayed placement decisions, and limited outreach are reshaping the future of cemetery service.

In her American Cemetery & Cremation feature, “Mary Lou’s Rules: Wisdom from the One Who Wears the Crowne,” Mary Lou Cressy shares practical, heartfelt ideas for helping cemeteries better serve families and reconnect with cremation households.

Crowne Vault showcases the beauty of a simple, hands-on farewell that helps families—especially children—participate in saying goodbye, while showing cemeteries how urn vaults can strengthen standards of care, protect cremated remains, and create added service and revenue opportunities.

Catholic cemeteries can help families create meaningful cremation traditions through second rights of interment, private services, and permanent placement. Clear education and thoughtful outreach give families more choices while bringing loved ones home to cemetery care.

Crowne Vault examines how cemeteries can guide families through urn-vault choices—from sizing and materials to personalization and ease of handling—while reinforcing that “the protection and security of a loved one’s cremated body is incumbent upon the standard of care you set for your cemetery.”