Why Location Matters When Choosing a Cemetery Plot

When a loved one passes away, it feels like there are endless decisions we must make. Did they choose cremation or traditional burial? Did they want a funeral or memorial? Where is their preferred final resting place?

Designing a headstone is one of the many important decisions a family makes. A memorial represents a life lived, a physical tribute to the uniqueness of your loved one.

And while there are many steps that go into selecting a memorial—such as the style, the design, and personalization options—one factor that can impact all of those considerations is the cemetery plot, or burial plot, location.

Continue reading below as we explore how the burial plot location matters. 

It Is Where Generations Will Gather for Years to Come 

When we think about memorialization, we often envision a cemetery. But as cremation rates continue to rise and more families choose less traditional options, it’s apparent that families can memorialize their loved ones anywhere. 

Consider the following when selecting the right cemetery plot or other memorialization location for your loved one.

• Find a special place of significance. Did your loved one visit the same coffee shop every weekend? Did they take a stroll through a specific park on the first day of spring? Places that remind you of them—a favorite park, restaurant, golf course or garden—can certainly serve as a memorialization location. 
• Pay attention to the surrounding area. If you do choose a cemetery plot, be sure to look at surrounding natural or man-made structures that could interfere with your location. For example, nearby trees often lead to headstones that need cleaning more often. 
• Walk through the cemetery. One of the best ways to see if a cemetery takes care of its grounds and headstones is by taking a walk through the property. Are headstones sinking or tipping? Does the landscaping look overgrown? These are some indicators that the cemetery is probably not a great fit for your loved one. Read our blog, What to Look For Before Choosing a Cemetery for more.  

• Continue existing or create new family traditions. Family traditions make us feel whole, but when we lose a loved one, it’s easy to feel like we can’t carry them on the same. Consider continuing storied family traditions in a meaningful location or create a new family traditions in a place that reminds you of your loved one. While this might be at the final resting place, it could be a new location for your family and friends to gather each year to pay respects. 

Most importantly, choose a place that is meaningful. After all, it’s where your family and future generations will gather to honor and remember your loved one. 

Your Cemetery Plot Location Could Impact the Headstone Design You Choose

If your family chooses to memorialize your loved one in a cemetery, you’ll need to consider the cemetery’s rules and regulations. Many cemeteries—including those in Northeast Ohio—have guidelines you must follow when designing a memorial. 

The most common cemetery regulations include the minimum and maximum size of the memorial. Other regulations might include: 

• The type of memorial, including lawn-level, bevel, slant or upright stones.
• The type of stone, including granite or bronze.
• The size of the burial plot, like single or companion.

We highly recommend families work with a memorial provider that knows the ins and outs of your cemetery’s regulations. The worst-case scenario is that you have a design in mind for a memorial, then find out your cemetery won’t permit it.

>>> Related Resource: Access the Northeast Ohio Cemetery Memorial Guide to view regulations and fees associated with 40+ cemeteries in Northeast Ohio. 

Your Burial Plot Location Might Impact Headstone Cost 

As mentioned above, most cemeteries have rules and regulations around the memorials permitted. 

For instance, you may select an ideal cemetery plot for you, but later find out that the cemetery rules and regulations require a certain memorial size, type or material. What the cemetery permits may not include what you had in mind. 

Things like grave space, opening and closing fees, and a burial vault can also affect the final price of your chosen cemetery plot. Most cemeteries also charge a fee to have a memorial placed on their grounds. The placement fee differs by cemetery and also by the memorial’s size—so that cost might impact your decision. 

Before choosing a cemetery plot, grave or cemetery location, consider talking with a memorial specialist. They can help you compare different cemetery options and prices and walk you through what the costs mean.  

>>> Related Resource: 8 Questions To Ask a Cemetery Before Buying a Burial Plot 

Explore Northeast Ohio Cemetery Regulations 

Discover the differences between over 40 Cleveland-area cemeteries with our comprehensive guide. Gain insights into memorial regulations, fees and unique features to make an informed grave decision for yourself and your family. Click here to download your copy.