How to Pick a Cemetery

You may need to pick a cemetery to either plan your own burial or for the burial of a loved one. If you have a family plot available it makes your job easier. Otherwise, you should do some research before you pick a cemetery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose the general location. Pick a cemetery that is a convenient distance for the majority of family members to visit. If family members are spread out, consider the person's hometown.

2. Honor any special requests. If the deceased has expressed a verbal or written wish on where they wish to be buried, make every attempt to honor that request. If that cemetery is not possible, try a close alternative.

3. Find out if the cemetery allows traditional headstones or memorials on the grounds. The type of accepted marker may affect your choice.

4. Pick a cemetery that other family members are buried at. It is best to choose a cemetery that allows visitors to go the graves of their loved ones during one visit.

5. Look at the upkeep of the cemetery. You should pick a cemetery that is maintained properly and has a significant staff to care for the grounds.

6. Ask if the cemetery has vaults or liners for the caskets. A vault provides the greatest protection for the casket; a liner is a lighter weight version that is often used.

7. Get a price quote. Most cemetery costs include a casket, plot, opening and closing of the grave, a grave liner or vault and a memorial or headstone.

Tips & Warnings

• If the deceased is a veteran of the military, they are entitled to a free burial in a national cemetery.
• Remember after you pick a cemetery to find out their rules for leaving flowers or wreaths on the grave site.