Exploring The Burial Plot Selection Process

Posted on: 10 May 2016

One of the important decisions you'll make when creating your funeral pre-plan is in which cemetery you wish to have your remains placed. Each cemetery has its own restrictions, so you'll need to do some research to find the right one to fulfill your final wishes. You'll also want to find a cemetery that will be easy for your family to work with after you have passed away. Here are some of the considerations you'll need to explore as you look for the best cemetery for your end-of-life needs.

Cemetery Ownership

These facilities can be owned by a number of different entities, such as:

• funeral homes
• national chains
• religious organizations
• non-profit organizations
• cities and townships

If the funeral home you are working with owns a cemetery, there is an advantage to using that facility. You and your family will already be working with the staff in the funeral home, so you won't have to deal with an additional company.

Cemetery Regulations

Every cemetery you research will be run by a set of rules and restrictions. Get a copy of these and review them carefully. Make sure you understand all of them to decide if your family will be able to work within the guidelines established by the cemetery management. Some of the rules and restrictions will specify:

• the material, size and shape of the headstones allowed
• who is responsible for the grave site and memorial maintenance
• what grave decorations are allowed and how cleanup of old flowers is handled
• how the facility handles vandalism or accidental damage to the memorials

Services Available

You'll also want to research the services that each cemetery offers and the fees for such services. Some of the standard and optional services offered include:

• preparation of the grave site to receive your remains
• filling in and landscaping of the grave site after the burial
• use of tables, chairs, tents and awnings at a grave side service
• preparation of the grave site for and the erection of the headstone

If you have chosen cremation as the way to deal with your remains, you'll want to research additional services available, such as:

• special plots set aside in the cemetery for the burial of cremains
• columbarium niches to hold your cremation urn
• restrictions as to the type of memorial decorations allowed in the columbarium

The services available in a cemetery should make it easier on your family to fulfill your final wishes. Make sure that what you have specified in your funeral pre-plan can easily be addressed by the cemetery you choose to work with. Contact a business, such as the Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, for more information.