Don’t rush your decision of burial or cremation
We are here to help and inform you when choosing the best option for you and your family
The choice between a burial and cremation is a very personal one, and you should think through all your options carefully and take your time to come to a decision. There are a lot of factors that may influence your choice; family traditions, religious or cultural beliefs and the wishes of the person who has died.
Burial
The most common form of burial is a churchyard or cemetery burial. You can choose between a new or existing plot, subject to local regulations and availability.
Existing graves
When choosing an existing grave we will require the deeds of the grave or any documents relating to it that you have in your possession. Don’t worry of you don’t have the deeds, we are happy to help if not, and also check there is room for further interments.
New graves
When you purchase a new grave, some local authorities will allow you to reserve or purchase a plot next to the one to be used.
Burial fees
There may be fees for the following and we can advise you on the local charges accordingly:
- Purchasing a new grave
- Opening and digging the grave
- Removal or replacement of existing headstones
Alternative burials
You are not restricted to a churchyard or cemetery burial, alternatives are available, such as woodland burial, maritime and vault burials and even a local Pet Cemetery alongside a treasured pet.
Repatriation
If the funeral is to take place abroad we would be happy to take care of the arrangements.
Cremation
Most crematoria will have a service chapel where you can have a funeral service for your loved one. However you may choose to hold a service in a church or another venue before the service in the crematorium chapel. Let us know your wishes and we can take care of the arrangements for you.
Options after cremation
Often the most difficult decision can be where the ashes will rest following cremation. You may choose to scatter, bury or keep the ashes, but there are a lot of options available and we’d be happy to talk through these with you.
Scattering
You may choose to scatter the ashes:
- In the grounds of the crematorium
- In your garden
- On a family grave
- At sea
- Somewhere that holds fond memories
In some cases you may need permission from the appropriate authority – we can advise you on this.
Burying
Some families like to bury the ashes so they have a place to visit and reflect. You may like to put up a memorial at the site or perhaps place the ashes of more than one family member together. You may choose to bury the ashes:
- In the grounds of the crematorium
- In your garden
- In a churchyard
When ashes are scattered or buried in a churchyard, cemetery or different crematorium, permission will need to be sought and the appropriate authority may require the Certificate of Cremation provided by the crematorium.
Keeping
Many families choose to keep the ashes at home in specifically designed urns or caskets. In some cases this is so that when a spouse or partner dies, the remains can be scattered or buried together.
We would be pleased to go through all the options with you to help you make the right decision for you and your family, be that scattering the ashes or placing them in a grave marked with a crafted lasting memorial. If you would like any details of memorials or resting places not mentioned, we would be happy to assist.
Remember, you do not have to make a decision immediately. Some crematoria will hold ashes for a limited time, or we can hold them for you here at our funeral home – at no charge – until you have made your decision.
