Planning your loved one’s final arrangements can feel like a whirlwind of choices, questions and emotions. And since most people design no more than one headstone in their lifetime, it’s normal to not know the questions you should be asking your memorial provider and cemetery throughout the process.
One necessary step of memorialization is purchasing your loved one’s burial plot. As the place where your loved one’s remains are laid to rest, it’s important that you choose the burial plot type and location that best suits your needs.
Continue reading for several questions you should ask your cemetery before buying a burial plot.
Prior to buying a burial plot, it’s important to know the options available for your loved one. There are several types of burial plots for individuals, couples and families.
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Cemetery regulations usually dictate the size and type of memorial that can be placed throughout the cemetery. Sometimes, these rules apply to the entire property, while others have designated sections for certain memorial types.
Before choosing your cemetery, seek help from your trusted memorial provider, to determine the different style options available and then they can help you pick locations for your preferred type of memorial for the cemetery that will allow your design. Not only will this impact your loved one’s headstone design, but it will also be the place where generations gather for years to come.
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Sometimes, cemeteries will show families the best examples of each type of burial plot, but they aren’t always the actual plot your loved one will be granted. Be sure to ask your cemetery if you’re looking at the exact burial plot that you will be purchasing, and if not, ask to see the final location first.
Burial plots vary in cost depending on the following factors:
In general, the average single-depth burial plot in Ohio costs around $1,200.
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Depending on the cemetery, there may be other costs associated with purchasing your loved one’s burial plot. These costs can include:
Some areas require families to purchase permits and paperwork to buy and open burial plots. If a permit is required, ask your cemetery or memorial provider what you can expect to pay, whether this cost is included when you purchase your loved one’s burial plot and who handles the necessary paperwork.
Like we mentioned, some cemeteries require a grave liner or burial vault to support the soil surrounding your loved one’s casket. They lessen the amount of upkeep required and help keep the cemetery in good shape.
You can purchase a burial vault from your funeral home, cemetery or memorial provider. You may also find them elsewhere, but we recommend choosing a provider you trust.
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To maintain a consistent look and feel throughout their grounds, some cemeteries may only allow single- or double-depth plots. Family burial plots and mausoleums may not be accepted, or may only be allowed in certain sections of the cemetery.
There are also usually cemetery regulations in place for your loved one’s memorial material, size and shape. Before designing your loved one’s headstone, ask your memorial provider about the types of memorials permitted at your cemetery.
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Be sure you fully understand all the rules and regulations at your preferred cemetery before choosing a burial plot. Download our Northeast Ohio Cemetery Memorial Guide for a more detailed list of regulations at cemeteries near you.