Purchase/confirm grave site

Once a burial location is selected, you will need to purchase a grave site. Keep in mind if the deceased selected where he or she wanted to be buried prior to death, he/she might have already purchased a plot or have rights to a plot previously purchased by parents, a spouse, or another family member or loved one who wanted to ensure burial in the same area. In these cases, try to locate the deed to the plot or the purchase receipt and/or contract. Given that these might be filed away and difficult to find quickly, however, it might be simpler to contact the relevant cemetery or the manager of the burial location. In most cases, records are easy to access to confirm a plot has been pre-purchased without requiring you to produce proof.

Location

If it is determined a site needs to be purchased, you will want to seek help from the funeral director and consider the different options available. If a land burial is selected, you might have a choice as to whether the grave is placed among trees, in a remote area, alongside a road for easy access, etc. You also might have options to bury the deceased in special sections designated for members of certain faiths or churches. If the deceased is being cremated and buried in an urn, you might be able to buy a smaller plot than you would for a full-size casket. Keep in mind that even in the same cemetery, costs can vary depending on the location of the grave. Certain areas, such as hilltops or tree-shaded spots, might be considered more desirable and therefore more expensive.

Costs and services

When buying a plot, you also will want to check to see what is included in the grave’s pricing and if any additional expenses will be required. You also want to learn the rules that apply to the grave site. Does the cost include opening the grave so that a casket can be placed and then moving the dirt back over it? Will they keep the plot mowed and free of weeds perpetually? Are flowers allowed to be placed at a grave or could you plant a tree, if desired? If flowers are placed on the grave by visitors will they remove them once they have died? In most cases, upkeep is included in cost, but it is always good to check. When purchasing a grave site you also should make sure you are aware of any requirements or restrictions regarding things like burial services, grave markers, grave liners, or style of caskets or urns that can be used, so there are no surprises later.

Additional plots

Finally, when buying the gravesite for the deceased it is good, albeit perhaps awkward, to discuss with family members if additional, adjoining plots should be purchased. By securing adjoining plots at the same time they can ensure that they will be buried near the deceased when the time comes and that the plots will not be sold to others.