Choose the type of funeral
Choosing between a burial or cremation is a personal decision. Here we explain some of the things to consider when making a choice.
Your decision is likely to be influenced by the deceased’s preference (if stated) or that of their family, availability of a burial plot, religious wishes or family tradition.
The choice of whether the funeral will be a burial or a cremation is primarily the deceased’s choice as stated in a will or through personal wishes, if the deceased has not made this clear then the family will decide.
Burial
The traditional location for a burial is within a churchyard or a cemetery and if you wish to have the deceased buried at these locations then you will need to enquire about available space and costs; you may have the choice of a new grave or an existing one.
If you have an existing grave as part of a family plot, your local funeral director requires documentation for the plot; if you are not in possession of them then they can help you source them. Your funeral director will also need to check that there is sufficient space for further burials.
If purchasing a new burial plot of land, some authorities may offer you the option of reserving the space next to or immediately near to the plot you’re purchasing, this is ideal for family members to be buried close to each other.
For all burials there are fees involved which could include the following:
- Cost to purchase a new grave
- Opening or re-opening an existing grave
- Removal and replacement of any existing memorials, headstones, and so on
- An exclusive right of burial
An exclusive right of burial is where you can select a plot whereno other burials can take place without consent from yourself. In some areas you need an exclusive right of burial in order to erect a memorial; this is something you should check if you would like a memorial at the grave.
Your funeral director will be able to advise you on burial fees.
There are other places that the deceased can be buried other than a churchyard or cemetery such as in dedicated woodland or at sea. Ask your local funeral director for further information.
Points to consider for burial:
- A grave will be prepared in advance. If there is a family plot, your local funeral director can arrange for this to be re-opened and the headstone removed before burial
- You may want to reserve a larger plot if you or your family want to be buried close by
- Some cemeteries no longer have space for additional graves and land can be at a premium
- After the burial you will need to consider if you want a new memorial headstone, or an inscription added on an existing headstone. Your funeral director can advise you on memorials and any local regulations that apply
- Some mourners may hold back from attending this part of the ceremony, but the burial is a deeply moving part of the ceremony and family may need and welcome support.
Cremation
There are some special considerations that need to be made if you choose a cremation.
The ashes from a cremation can be kept by the family in an urn or can be scattered in a sentimental place such as woodland, at sea or somewhere important to the deceased.
The type of service
With a cremation you can choose to have a full service, at a church or service chapel, a shorter committal service at the crematorium or both.
You funeral director will make the necessary arrangements for whatever you decide.
Choice of clothing, possessions and decoration of the coffin
Ask your local funeral director to advise you if any restrictions are in place at your chosen crematorium with regards to the choice of dress for the deceased, or placing any possessions in the coffin as some items (for example, metal items) may not be allowed.
Things to consider for cremation:
- It can be less expensive than a burial
- Service times vary between crematoriums. You funeral director will be familiar with local regulations
- All cremations are carried out individually to a strict code of practice
- Services can be held at the crematoria or elsewhere, for instance at a church, garden or hall, beforehand
- The ashes may be held at the crematorium temporarily, and can be collected by you or by your funeral director
- Cremated remains may be scattered, buried or kept. Speak to your funeral director about their range of urns.
Repatriation
If you are arranging for the deceased to be moved back to their homeland or for the deceased’s body to be brought back home from abroad, then there are a number of processes that may be specific to the country that you are dealing with. Contact your local funeral director for help and advice about this.
If you need help in deciding aspects of a funeral service it is a good idea to get advice from your local funeral director who will have a wealth of experience and knowledge of local funeral processes.