The first step in deciding which cemetery is best for your family is considering the location. Unless you're loved one has stated that he or she wishes to be buried in a particular place, you're likely going to want to choose a cemetery that is nearby for several reasons. First of all, you will most likely wish to visit the gravesite occasionally to pay your respects to your loved one or even feel a little closer to him or her. Secondly, you will probably want to make sure that the site is being maintained properly.
In some cases, the choice of cemetery location is often made by family preference. In other cases, there may be a cemetery in your area that is deemed "better" or more prestigious than another.
Always remember that life is ever-changing. You may move to another area or your family may go through other changes that effect where and how you live. So, while choosing a nearby cemetery is immediately practical, it should not be the final deciding factor.
The most important thing is to find a cemetery in your area that will accommodate your needs and wishes and will be willing to work with you honestly and economically.
Remember that the size and price of plots can vary from one cemetery to another. While in the process of deciding on a cemetery, make a trip to that cemetery in person. Preferably an initial visit should be made without a sales representative. This will give you an opportunity to not only view available plots, but also see how existing plots are maintained, what sorts of marker options are allowed and to get a sense of the scale and overall lay-out of the cemetery.
Some cemeteries have Web sites. Many of these sites allow you to view available plots online. This can be a very handy tool. Other sites also offer maps of the cemeteries online. If so, print out a map. This will not only guide you in making your way through an unfamiliar cemetery, but gives you an chance to make notes about areas that seem desirable to you.
When choosing your burial plot's location, be sure to compare the prices of the different burial plot options. The prices of these plots may be found online or you may have been given a price list by a sales representative. If you've already met with a cemetery representative, it's still a good idea to look around on your own.
In selecting a location, here are a few things to remember:
1. A small or more "prestigious" cemetery may be more expensive and may require that you purchase your plot far in advance.
2. Practicality is more important than a great view.
3. Keep in mind the needs and abilities of family members that may wish to visit the gravesite. If an elderly spouse or friend wishes to visit the site, is the plot high on the hill the best choice?
4. If the cemetery seems run-down or in ill repair, you should probably consider an alternative?
5. Expensive doesn't equal quality.
6. Consider that your family's circumstances may change.
7. How does the cemetery feel to you? Does it feel peaceful? Does it feel cluttered or chaotic?
8. If you're choosing a plot for someone else, how would he or she feel about the location?
Look around at the cemetery as a whole. Is it well kept? Are there mausoleums? What kind are they? Is there a columbarium? Is there an urn garden? Remember, in most cases, above ground burial, cremation plots or niches are often the more economical choice.
Furthermore, as you are considering your location, also think about the rest of your family. Purchasing a plot for you in advance is an excellent way to save money. The same applies to purchasing a plot for the whole family or for a spouse.
Hal Stevens owns the CemeterySpot family of websites that provide products, services and resource directories related to end of life topics. Services include the CemeterySpot FREE Online Memorial Listing Service and the CemeterySpot FREE Cemetery Property Listing Service.
Hal is also the author of several critically acclaimed eBooks specifically written to help people deal with end of life issues. His eBooks include topics such as: cremation, writing and delivering a eulogy, eco-friendly green funerals, funeral planning, organ donation, and buying and selling cemetery plots.
To find out more about these free services and resources, to learn more about his books, and to get a free gift, visit http://www.cemeteryspot.com
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I had no idea that there was so much to take into consideration when selecting a cemetery! I'm so glad I found what you said about price not matching quality. You'd think that an expensive cemetery would have a high quality. I also love what you said about the feeling of the cemetery. It should feel peaceful and definitely shouldn't feel chaotic, like you said. Thank goodness there are so many good options out there. Thanks for the article! http://www.utahcemetery.com
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