A final resting place is just that—final. So it makes sense that ample time is allotted to process all of your available options, for there may be more to making this decision than you may have realized. First, you must decide which type of cemetery is right for your departed and determine the location of the internment. Additionally, it is a good idea to learn the rules and regulations of each cemetery you are considering, as they tend to vary. Lastly, be smart and prepare for any fees you might not have been expected to cover. This guide will give you a detailed rundown of the areas you should be focusing on before choosing a cemetery.

What type of cemetery fits your needs?

Did you know there are more than a few types of cemeteries? To keep things simple, the four common types are private cemeteries, public cemeteries, national cemeteries, and green cemeteries.

Public

When you imagine a cemetery, chances are you picturing a private cemetery that is privately owned. The other kind of public cemetery that exists is city or county-run. What's the main difference between the two? A cemetery run by the city will cost you much less and offer far fewer options. Both cemeteries allow anyone to inquire about burial, and you can get all the information you require for public cemeteries from your local funeral home or online.

Private

Next comes the private cemetery. Private cemeteries tend to be exclusively located on religious grounds or in family cemeteries on private property. If you are invested in choosing a place that ties in with your religion, be sure to track down the organization leaders associated with the burial grounds, such as a priest. Family cemeteries were more widespread in past centuries and will require adherence to specific regulations and state laws.

National

Anyone on active duty in the armed forces can be buried in a national or veteran cemetery. Former service members who have reached the minimum requirement can also be laid to rest here. National cemeteries are available to the dependents of all active-duty soldiers and veterans.

Green

Green cemeteries are a little bit different and concentrate on minimizing the negative impact on the environment. This means that the container the body will be buried in must be biodegradable, and headstones must be avoided and replaced by trees or other natural grave markers. Keep in mind that many green cemeteries forbid the use of certain embalming chemicals.

What is the best burial location?

There is no question that you want the location of your loved one's burial plot to be a place of great significance, but how exactly do you ensure that your departed's final resting place is as special as they were? Interring the deceased in the city or town they were born is one way to make sure your loved one's burial place is meaningful. Many families purchase land in a cemetery preemptively for a family burial plot. Being laid to rest next to family members can be a comforting thought, and a family burial plot allows mourners to remember their deceased family members all in one location. One classic struggle of deciding where the burial location should be is when a family is torn between choosing a convent cemetery and one that holds significance. Remember that what is convenient now may not always be, so opting for a significant location is a far better idea than choosing one that is ideal at the moment.

What are the cemetery rules, regulations, and restrictions?

Have you found a cemetery whose location is scenic and significant and are ready to take the next step? You may want to pause here. The rules and regulations from one cemetery to the next can differ wildly. Is placing floral arrangements underneath your departed loved one's headstone something important to you? Then take into consideration that some cemeteries do not allow flowers or decorations of any kind on or near a grave. Do you have a specific headstone type in mind? If you do, be sure to find out if the grave marker that is your first choice is allowed within the gates of the cemetery you are considering. Do your research and ask questions as they arise.

What is your budget/Fees you might expect?

There may be a few fees you weren't expecting when you initially began choosing a cemetery, and if you are not careful, these costs can add up fairly quickly. The first fee you might not have been ready for is paying for a grave liner or a burial vault. Both the vault and liner are containers that protect a casket after burial from cave-ins. How do they differ? A grave liner will range from $700 to $1,000, while a burial vault starts at around $1,000 and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The liner is less protective, as it is unsealed and employs drainage holes for water. A vault is a sealed container that aims to protect the casket and the deceased within. No law is in place that requires you to use one of these, but each cemetery has its own rules, and many require them. The actual plot of land in a graveyard will likely fall into a wide $500 $5,000 price range. The act of digging and filling the gravesite is known as opening and closing the grave; expect a fee for this as well. In addition to purchasing a headstone, be aware that you may have to pay an installation fee. Finally, anticipate a grave maintenance fee for the site and the chosen monument.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right gravesite for your departed loved one can feel like a monumental task at the best of times, but navigating the searching process can feel downright daunting when you are grieving. Remember, a significant location is a better choice than a convenient one. Be sure to be well aware of every rule, regulation, and hidden fee of each cemetery you decide to vet. Since final resting places are so final, stay vigilant and keep yourself well informed to ensure you select the right cemetery for you.