Choosing a Gravesite

The pain of losing a loved one can be unbearable, but it is often more comforting than distressing to have a particular place where you can go to visit the deceased and pay your respects. Selecting a final resting place is one of the most important decisions a person can make, especially if the deceased failed to leave any funeral wishes or special requests. It can be incredibly helpful to choose a cemetery or buy a burial plot well in advance of any need, but life has a peculiar way of surprising us, so many of us go unprepared. Whether choosing a gravesite for your own end-of-life needs or selecting a site for a loved one, you will find all the information needed.

Choosing a Gravesite

There are many types of burial methods, cemeteries, funeral services, and options available to the surviving family members of a deceased individual.

Type: Depending on the deceased's wishes or your financial ability, the search for a gravesite may depend on the type of interment. Ground burial is one of the most popular methods of modern interment, but crypt and mausoleum entombment are also popular options for people who prefer above-ground burial or the possibility of personalization. Above-ground burials require caskets, vaults or grave liners, and a tangible means of identifying the deceased. Cremation is quickly surpassing burial as the most requested form of final disposition in the United States. If your loved one preferred to be cremated, you can find many urn gardens, columbarium niches, and plots to choose from, as well as a wide variety of urns and ash keepsakes.

Location: Where will the burial take place? It is important to determine whether the cemetery you choose must meet specific requirements in regard to religious affiliation, military association, or environmentally-friendly practices. If you live in a rural area and prefer to be buried on your own property, you may have the right to do so. Rural communities are usually less concerned with burial ceremonies and interment practices than suburban areas with limited land, but you should still consult local authorities before taking any action. If the burial takes place at a cemetery, we recommend double-checking all requirements regarding headstone design, material, size, and other factors.

Price: If you are planning a ground burial, you will likely need to purchase a burial plot. The price of a plot will depend on the type of plot, its location within the cemetery, and the size of the plot. On average, single grave spots can cost about $1,000. As a rule of thumb, the more plots you purchase simultaneously, the less each plot costs individually. Mausoleum plots, on the other hand, can cost between $2,000 and $4,000 per crypt. There may also be fees associated with opening and closing the grave, installing the headstone, or performing other services.

We hope that this guide to choosing a gravesite gives you more insight into the economics and niceties of selecting the perfect space to serve as your loved one's final resting place. If you have any questions, please contact Legacy Headstones today to receive personalized assistance.