How to Select the Correct Cemetery for you and/or a Loved One

Selecting a cemetery is as important as selecting the funeral home, casket or service type. It is the final resting place of a person you love. It is purchased separately from services and products.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time
• Phone Book
• Phone
• Pad of Paper
• Pen or Pencil
• A printed copy of this Ehow Article
• Map of area or be online and use mapquest

1. 
    

   Using a separate sheet of paper for each cemetery make a list of local cemeteries. Include the address and phone number for each one. If you do not know where some of the cemeteries are located do not discount them as a possibility as there are many things to consider before making a final choice.

2. 
    

   Start out locating each cemetery on the map or map quest so that you know the area of location, distance from your location and ease of visiting when the desire or need arises. If you are eligible for burial or inurnment in a National Cemetery include a page for their information also. Some families opt for a closer location than the nearest National Cemetery.

3. 
    

   Call each one with the following questions:
   1. Hours of operation. Most cemeteries are only open for burials or
   inurnments Monday-Friday. Some are open for burials or inurnments
   on the weekend for an additional fee. Ask if there is an additional
   fee if you need your services on Saturday or Sunday.
   2. Ask what is available; plots, niches and mausoleums? Ask for
   their prices for each one if you are undecided as to the
   disposition of you or your loved one. Ask the fee for opening
   and closing of each one.
   4. Ask what is allowed ie: raised headstone or flat headstone only.
   5. Is there perpetual grounds maintenance included in the price?
   6. Can you have a bench put in if desired?
   7. If pre-planning make sure you know how many sites are desired so
   that you can make sure they are all together.
   8. If not pre-planning and you are "At Need" but would like to be with
   your loved one when the time comes, be sure you are shown sites
   that have others available with them for your purchase.
   9. Ask if financing is available if needed and what are the terms.

4. 
    

   Before you commit to the cemetery, check your local newspapers. Many people who have previously purchased plots etc. are changing their options and have their plots up for sale much less expensive than
   what the cemetery will sell their property. You can save thousands of dollars if you are able to locate a plot where you want one from a person desiring to sell theirs.

5. Compare locations...what is acceptable to you? Compare pricing. Compare the looks, what is included and excluded. Then make the decision that works best for you. Don't be persuaded by outsiders. This is a decision that is personal.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to ask for a discount. You will be surprised at how many cemeteries offer discounts when asked.
• Don't let anyone try to convince you that their location or services are better than others. Let your notes and your heart be the judge.

[August12]

on 2/22/2009 Thank you for this info...

[August12]

on 2/22/2009 Thank you for this info...

[krazigirl79]

on 10/15/2008 Always a difficult time, thank you for sharing these tips.

[Nemlee]

on 10/15/2008 Good Article and information thanks for sharing it

[Nemlee]

on 10/15/2008 Good Article and information thanks for sharing it