Part of successful funeral preplanning is choosing your final resting place. In many cases, this may be your first task, since some funeral homes are affiliated with specific cemeteries. The following checklist will help you pick a final resting place that will fit with you and your family's needs.
Do you need a specific cemetery type?
Cemeteries come in four main varieties:
Religious cemeteries. These are typically tied to a specific church or religious affiliation. Opt for these if it is important to you to be buried in a church cemetery. In some cases, these types of cemeteries may also offer more community during memorial visits since other visitors may belong to your loved ones' church family.
For-profit cemeteries. These are the most common. They are run by and as a business. This means they are open to everyone, so getting a family plot is often much simpler if you are willing to pay the price. They are also typically well tended since they do not suffer the cash flow or staffing issues that sometimes affect non-profit options.
Non-profit community cemetery. Typically run by the city or municipality, these are less expensive than for-profit options since tax dollars help support them. They may be open to everyone or there may be income restrictions in place to get a plot. Often, space is at a premium for these cemeteries.
Veteran cemeteries. These are for those that have served, and not every veteran is eligible. It is considered a high honor to qualify for such a plot, but remember that it won't usually be a family plot since these cemeteries are reserved specifically for the veterans.
Who is responsible for upkeep?
As a general rule, the cemetery will handle the most basic upkeep of mowing and watering, but they may not do actual gravesite upkeep. This means your loved ones are responsible for trimming back grass and weeds from the headstone or disposing of dead flowers. If you are worried that this won't be possible, then opt for a cemetery that provides full upkeep.
How much freedom is allowed for grave decorations?
If you or your family are proponents of grave décor, which can be highly therapeutic, then make sure the cemetery allows it. Some cemeteries are very strict, allowing only approved décor on certain holidays (e.g. flags on Memorial Day or wreaths on Christmas). Other will give visitors full reign, allowing them to decorate and possible even plant flowers around the grave. Many fall somewhere in between by allowing wreaths or small floral arrangements within certain boundaries. Make sure the rules of the cemetery you choose will fit everyone's needs and desires.
For more information, contact Memorial Mortuaries or a similar organization.
Share14 July 2016
A couple of weeks ago, one of my dear family friend’s suffered the loss of her husband. After a brief illness, he passed away at a local hospital. Immediately after his passing, she started planning the funeral arrangements. She didn’t want his funeral to be a sad occasion. Instead, she wanted the service to celebrate his amazing life. She worked tirelessly with the professional staff at a local funeral home in order to plan the order and type of service for the funeral. On this blog, you will discover tips for planning a funeral service that will celebrate the life of your deceased loved one.