Burial or Cremation?

The choice between burial or cremation can be particularly emotional. It may simply be a matter of personal preferences or due to cultural or religious reasons. Some people feel that burial is the most fitting way to lay a loved one to rest and some religions strictly require burial, whist other religions prefer cremation. Whatever your situation or preference is, we are here to offer guidance and assistance in order to help you through this difficult decision.

Burials

Burials are usually only permitted to take place in designated cemeteries, although in some cases they are permitted on large rural properties subject to approval from the local authority. If you don’t have an existing family grave or a pre-purchased reservation we can arrange a new grave site at a cemetery of your choosing. Graves in most modern cemeteries are able to accommodate up to 3 interments subject to certain conditions and we will be able to give you guidance in relation to this.

Burial Considerations

Here are some points that you should think about when considering burial:

  • You may already have a family grave or plot. We can arrange for this to be reopened and the headstone removed before burial
  • There are a number of different types of cemetery to choose from, such as:
    • Lawn cemeteries
      Here each grave is covered with grass and marked with a commemorative plaque placed horizontally at the head of the grave at ground-level and;
    • Monumental cemeteries
      Where headstones or other monuments made of marble, granite or similar materials rise vertically above the ground and;
    • Woodland, or eco cemeteries
      Here the original landscape with existing trees influenced the landscape architecture of the cemetery, and graves are fitted in among the trees
  • In some areas, burial space may be limited or may be very expensive
  • You might want to reserve additional plots or a large plot if you or your family want to be buried close by
  • You can hold the funeral service in a local church or in a chapel
  • After the burial, if in the monumental section, you will need to consider if you want a memorial headstone, or a new inscription on an existing headstone

Cremation

Cremation is growing in popularity in most urban areas. Some people feel that cremation is more preferable because land is conserved and the remaining family don’t have to worry about a grave. Others feel that cremation offers the opportunity for ashes to be placed in a location that may have some personal relevance. Most cemeteries also have an area set aside for memorials of ashes.
There are now many creative ideas regarding the placement of ashes or memorialisation in various styles of ornamental urns, jewellery, purpose built picture frames or memorabilia cases etc; it is even possible to have a diamond made from your loved ones ashes!

Cremation Considerations

Here are some points that you should think about when considering cremation:

  • Cremation generally costs much less than a burial
  • The funeral service can be held at the crematorium; most will have a chapel
  • The service may also take place in a church or another location before going to the crematorium
  • You will need to decide the final resting place of the ashes