The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face. The emotions that come with it are often intense and overwhelming. With decisions to make about which funeral home, monument, and cemetery will best honor your loved one, everything can feel like it’s moving too quickly. We encourage you to slow down and take the time you need. There are many important factors to consider when choosing a cemetery for yourself, a spouse or partner, a family member, or a close friend.
The following are some of the most important considerations when choosing a cemetery:
Location & Convenience – First, consider the cemetery’s location to the remaining family members. It may be very important for them, so they can visit often. You may want to choose a cemetery where family members are already buried. Make sure to confirm availability of plots especially if you need a location by other family members.
Verbal or Written Requests – Some people may have a specific reason for wanting to be buried in a certain place. Try to honor any written or verbal requests that may have been made prior to the death of your loved one. Often, cemeteries are chosen because of religious or secular beliefs. Many people want to be buried with members of their faith community.
Monument Type – Some cemeteries only allow specific monument styles, such as upright granite headstones, while prohibiting others like flat markers, marble monuments, or memorial benches. There may also be regulations regarding thickness, color, and even installation methods.
Headstone Sizes Allowed – Each cemetery is different- no two are the same! All cemeteries have requirements as to what they can and cannot allow in terms of size. Make sure to check before you commit to buying a plot. Ask what the maximum size of headstone you can have, get the maximum height allowed and what width and depth of base is allowed.
Appearance of Cemetery – Consider the overall appearance of the cemetery. Is it maintained properly? Remember to inquire about plantings. Many cemeteries do not allow planted flowers and only allow potted plants for a short amount of time after a special holiday. Understand that sometimes when restrictions are made about plantings, it is for the purpose of maintaining the grounds with more ease.
Type of Cemetery – There are a variety of public/municipal which are open to the community. Religious that are restricted to member of types of faiths. National/Veterans for those with military service. Lastly, Green/natural cemeteries that focus on eco-friendly, and sustainable burials.
Costs – There are many costs involved in buying a cemetery plot. Make sure the cemetery director explained all costs and put them in writing. Opening and closing a grave on a weekend may be an extra expense that you didn’t realize. Some cemeteries require a vault, or liner. They sell different grades of liners, so be prepared. Sometimes the location of the plot adds to the cost. Often a front row plot will be more. Some cemetery plots might be “doubles” but “stack” one on top of another, versus side-by-side plots. Municipal cemeteries may be less expensive than private cemeteries, but keep in mind that private cemeteries may have more resources to maintain their appearance. I would also suggest verifying they have a perpetual trust fund to ensure long-term maintenance.
Online Reviews & Research – Looking at reviews, testimonials, and ratings is strongly recommended. It helps you gauge reputation, maintenance quality, and customer experience. In fact, experts suggest checking community feedback, asking around locally, and even looking for complaints! Cemetery websites (when they exist) can give useful details such as: Plot pricing ranges, Types of burial (traditional, cremation niches, mausoleums) and Rules on headstones, decorations, etc. But here’s the key reality: Prices are often incomplete online. Surprisingly, you may also find that many smaller community cemeteries do not have websites and rely more on word-of-mouth, local reputation, or direct contact for information that require phone calls or in-person visits for details.
Cemetery Visit – Experts consistently say: You should visit the cemetery before deciding. That’s because you can only properly evaluate: Cleanliness and maintenance, the atmosphere (peaceful vs crowded), and accessibility for family visits etc.
Lastly, before you decide, make sure you can answer:
- Do I understand the total cost?
- Am I comfortable with the maintenance quality?
- Are the rules acceptable?
- Does the location make sense for loved ones?
Working with a local monument company can help simplify this process. They are typically familiar with cemetery regulations in your area and can ensure that the monument you choose fully complies with all requirements—saving you time, stress, and uncertainty.
Blog by: Emilia Hovorka-Spelrem
You can email if you have any questions about this blog post office@grandeprairiememorials.com