How to Choose a Cemetery

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If you are planning a burial or wish to inter cremated remains, you will need to secure a cemetery plot. Unfortunately, cemeteries are not governed by the FTC's Funeral Rule so there are some additional financial considerations you should be aware of as you search for a final resting place for your loved one.

Types of Cemeteries

There are generally speaking four types of cemeteries:

1. District Cemeteries: Cemeteries owned by the City or County.
2. Religious Cemeteries: Cemeteries owned by a Religious Organization.
3. Private Cemeteries: Commercial cemeteries not owned by the local government.
4. Veterans Cemeteries: Cemeteries which accommodate the burial of veterans and their families. For more information on Veterans Cemeteries, consult the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Types of Cemetery Plots

The different types of cemetery plots you might consider include:

1. In Ground Burial Plots: The traditional, in ground grave.
2. Lawn Crypts: Sometimes referred to as "in-ground mausoleums," crypts are essentially underground tombs reinforced by concrete and steel.
3. Columbarium Niche: A space used for the interment of cremated remains.
4. Mausoleum: An above-ground, free standing structure used for the interment of human remains.

What to Consider When Choosing a Cemetery

There are several different factors you'll want to consider when choosing a cemetery:

1. Location: Do you want to visit the cemetery often? Would the deceased want to be buried there?
2. Religion: Does the cemetery meet your religion's requirements?
3. Military Service: If the deceased is a Veteran, he or she is entitled to a free burial and grave marker in a national cemetery.
4. Cost: Cemeteries can be expensive, particularly in major, metropolitan areas. Be sure that you understand all the costs associated with the burial or interment before purchasing a plot.
5. Aesthetics: Do you like the feel of the place? Would it make a good resting place for your loved one?

Cemetery Costs

Because cemeteries are not bound by the Funeral Rule, you need to be sure that you understand all the costs associated with a burial or interment:

1. Space: The actual burial site, crypt, mausoleum or columbarium.
2. Grave Liner or Burial Vault: A liner placed around the casket which prevents the ground from settling after the burial. Not required by law, but required by most cemeteries.
3. Opening and Closing Costs: This isn't just the cost of literally opening and closing the grave. This cost includes all the services related to the burial or interment including permanent record keeping, securing a burial permit, maintaining all legal files, installation and removal of the lowering device, etc.
4. Perpetual Care: The maintenance of the grave over time. This cost is usually included in the purchase price, but ask for clarification. If the cost is not included, you will have to pay a separate endowment care fee.
5. Headstone: A marker or monument placed at the grave site usually engraved with an epitaph. You do not have to use a headstone. If you do, keep in mind that cemeteries do place some restrictions on their size and shape.

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