Burial Services

When a loved one has passed, or when pre-planning, certain things must be considered before choosing between burial or cremation. Certainly, this is a big decision, based on many factors. Before you can make a choice, you need to know exactly what it is you're considering. It is important to remember that burial is a type of physical end of life care of a loved one. It is a personal choice that should not affect the type of funeral ceremonies you choose.

Burial Explained

Burial is the ritual act of placing a deceased person into the ground, sometimes accompanied by objects that have some significance. There are any number of reasons to choose burial over cremation. Once the decision has been made, all that is required is authorization provided by the person who is the legally identified or appointed next-of-kin. Once funeral arrangements are complete, all authorization documents signed, and service charges paid, the burial can proceed. 

Selection of Burial Property

Before we get too far into the subject, we should mention that a family member may have already chosen and purchased a cemetery plot. It's also very possible that a relative purchased a large section intended for the future burial of family members in a local cemetery. In either of those situations, you must obtain the documents required to prove ownership of burial rights.

What if there is no such advance plan in place? Then you will need to choose a cemetery and select the burial property on your own. We know today's consumers are knowledgeable and have access to more information about products and services than ever before, but we also know that the purchase of cemetery property is not an ordinary transaction. For that reason, we offer the following information.

Buying a cemetery property, such as a burial plot, or columbarium niche, is different than purchasing a house, where the building(s) and the land are yours to do with as you like. In the case of burial, you are merely buying the right to inter (or bury) an individual (or individuals) in that location. The property, to which you now have certain rights, remains under the ownership and responsibility of the cemetery’s administration.

 
From the money you pay for these interment rights, a stated portion will be contributed to an irrevocable fund used for the ongoing maintenance of the cemetery. The burial, as well as any future commemorative visits you make to the location, will be subject to the specific by-laws as adopted by the cemetery’s administration.
 

Like buying a house, the cost of burial property rights ranges widely, depending on the exact location of the plot or niche, and other related factors. Other costs involved with the burial of a loved one include the fees charged by the cemetery for the "opening and closing" of the site; costs of engraving a monument or a columbarium door; as well as any other related work (e.g., installation).

Burial Costs

We offer several affordable burial service options. They range from simple burials, where only a member of our staff oversees the interment; to simple graveside services, led by a minister or celebrant; to a traditional funeral service followed by burial. Each type of service can be tailored to meet the needs and expectations of today's families.

Come Visit Us

Please come and meet us to discuss your burial options. We appreciate the opportunity to share our insights and experience to fully support you in making end-of-life decisions for you and your family. Contact us to schedule an appointment.