Cemetery Plots
There are five main points to consider about purchasing a cemetery plot: location, the kind of cemetery, cemetery rules, the kind of plot you want, and price.
Cemetery Plot Location
If a spouse or other loved one has already passed, you may already have a plot lined up next to them. If there are other family members who may want to visit the grave from time to time, consider if the location is convenient for them.
Maybe there is a cemetery you have always liked, or you might just want to choose someplace that’s close to where the funeral service is held.
Cemetery Type
Public cemeteries are the most common locations for burial. They’re owned either corporately or independently, and they’re operated for profit. Cemetery plots in public cemeteries can often be purchased through funeral homes or even online.
Private cemeteries are just that – private family burial grounds.
Religious cemeteries, on the other hand, are owned by religious organizations, and are not for profit. If you prefer a religious burial, start by contacting your church, mosque, or synagogue for recommendations.
Municipal or district cemeteries are owned by cities or counties. They are not for profit, but you may find that they are sold out, full, or currently being used only for the burial of residents whose loved ones can’t afford interment in a public or private cemetery.
Veterans’ cemeteries (also known as national cemeteries) are run by the government, and are for the exclusive use of members of the military and their families. Burial includes cemetery plots, opening and closing, a headstone, and perpetual care. If your loved one is entitled to interment in a veterans’ cemetery, your funeral home can make the arrangements.
Some jurisdictions permit burial in “green” cemeteries, although this type of cemetery is still uncommon in the United States. Home burial is also permitted in some locations.
Cemetery Plot Rules
If the size and type of the headstone is important to you, you’ll need to find out what type of marker the cemetery permits. Cemeteries generally allow either upright or flat tombstones.
Additionally, some cemeteries limit the kind of decorations or other memorials that you’re permitted to place on cemetery plots. Some cemeteries also don’t permit mausoleums or other types of crypts.
Cemetery Plot Types
There are four basic types of cemetery plots:
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- Single cemetery plots are the most common. They contain the remains of one deceased person, usually in a casket.
- Companion plots are two plots that are intended for couples, more commonly married couples, although increasingly even religious cemeteries are willing to accept life partners who have not been legally wed.
Companion cemetery plots can either by side by side or, less commonly, one plot in which caskets are buried one on top of the other (“double depth”).
- Family plots. The family purchases a portion of land in the cemetery that will be dedicated for their exclusive use. Usually, a family plot contains a large monument that has the family name engraved upon it, surrounded by a number of smaller headstones that mark the graves of individual members of the family.
A family plot can also consist of multiple single plots that have been bought as a package by one family.
- Cremation plots are available for cremated remains. Although many people prefer to keep the ashes of their loved ones, or to scatter them in a meaningful location, it is still common practice to have cremains interred.
If you want to place several cremation urns in a single plot, check with the cemetery first to find out if this practice is permitted – usually it is.
Some cemeteries have special “urn gardens” for the burial of cremated remains. Urn gardens are areas that are landscaped, and contain small plots or landscape elements that are designed to hold urns. Because they’re a good deal smaller than traditional cemetery plots, space in urn gardens can be much less expensive.
Cemetery Fees
In addition to the cost of the plot, the cemetery may charge a headstone installation fee. Usually, monument companies offer installation services but it might cost extra.
Ask the cemetery if they have maintenance fees or other ongoing fees.
Obviously, choosing a cemetery plot is just one aspect of making final arrangements. Check out this guide to planning your own funeral.