Cemeteries

Cemetery Guidance

How to Choose a Cemetery

It is quite common for people to buy a cemetery plot before they pass away. At the same time, many others do not wish to think about death and choose not to make any funeral or burial plans. In either case, if you need to select a cemetery plot for either yourself or a loved one, the process is nearly identical. 

When choosing a cemetery think about location, type, policies, and cost.  

Cemetery Location

The first thing you need to figure out when choosing a cemetery is the location. For some people, they want to be buried in the town where they resided. Others wish to be buried near their birthplace or where they spent their childhood. Wherever the location is, it’s also important to consider where the surviving family members reside. They will be the ones visiting the cemetery most often so you don’t want it to be too far from them.  

Local Cemeteries

Here is a list of local cemeteries in Brooklyn NY. If you are interested in Brooklyn being your loved one’s final resting place then consider these reputable cemeteries. Think about the other factors we discuss below when researching and learning about these cemeteries. Remember cemeteries are not all the same – find the one that best suits your situation.  

Types of Cemeteries

There are several types of cemeteries that each cater to different groups. Public cemeteries are the most common type of cemetery. They are typically for-profit and independently or corporately owned. Religious cemeteries are often non-for-profit and owned by a church or religious sector. Veteran cemeteries are government owned and reserved for veterans and current military members. Finally, green cemeteries are environmentally friendly ones that offer green burial services.

Cemetery Rules

Every cemetery has their own rules and policies that must be followed. Before purchasing a plot, you should inquire about these policies. Most cemeteries have certain restrictions on types of flowers, the size of tombstones or markers, religious requirements, and placement of items on or around the grave.  

Cemetery Costs

It’s important to understand cemetery costs before you select a cemetery. Some cemeteries offer burial or entombment in a mausoleum which can be drastically different in price. By asking what the final cost for burial is and what is included with it, you can decide if the cemetery offers enough value for the price. Some cemeteries offer discounts to certain funeral homes, so it helps to ask if there are any available. 

A cemetery will charge you for several things; it is more than just one charge. Below we breakdown these cemetery costs and give you some general price ranges.  

Purchasing the Internment Rights

This is quite simply buying the right to bury in a burial plot or in a mausoleum space. We have seen and heard a lot of variance when it comes to the price on internment rights. A mausoleum crypt will be more expensive – research shows prices ranging from $4500 to $8500. With these large variances, it is paramount that you shop around.

Opening & Closing the Plot

This cemetery cost refers to the digging and filling of the plot, replacing the sod, completing the necessary paperwork, keeping records, and the use of a casket-lowering device. Once again there is a wide range of price depending on the cemetery and where it is located in the country. Based on research, it can range from $350 - $1500.

Burial Vaults & Grave Liners

For in-ground burial, most cemeteries will require you to buy a burial vault or grave liner to protect the casket and support the soil. For these containers, you are looking at a price range from $500 - $2500.

Perpetual Care

This is a one-time maintenance charge that is often legally required by the state. The sum will get thrown into the state’s cemetery maintenance fund. This generally does not cover maintenance to be done on headstones and grave markers. In terms of price, it is usually 5-15% of the price you paid for interment rights.

Installing the Headstone or Monument

You can either buy the headstone from the cemetery or not, but regardless you will have to pay a fee for the installation or placement of the headstone. The installation fee is about $450-850.

Cemetery Etiquette

A cemetery is a sacred place where people can visit to spend time with their departed loved ones. It is a place of peace and tranquility that should be treated with the utmost respect. Although some people will only attend a cemetery when a loved one is being buried, many others will return regularly on holidays, birthdays and special occasions. Some people just visit from time to time when they want to be close to their spouse, parents, siblings or friends. Whatever the reason for visiting a cemetery, it’s important that you be respectful. Below we’ve outlined some basic guidelines for cemetery etiquette.

Keep Noise to A Minimum

Make sure to be mindful of other people visiting the cemetery. Many people are there to mourn and grieve. Be respectful of others and make sure not to play music loudly from cars, shout, or use vulgar language.

Be Mindful of Children

A cemetery is not a place for children to be playing and running around. If you bring them to the cemetery, be mindful of your children and ensure they are being respectful. Make sure that they are not running around, climbing or playing around monuments, or causing a disturbance to other visitors.

Obey the Cemetery’s Rules

As you are entering the cemetery make sure to make note of any posted rules. Many cemeteries will have a sign at the entrances stating things like hours and rules about decorations. These rules are in place to ensure a peaceful environment free of litter and noise.

Stay on The Roads

When you are driving through the cemetery, make sure to stay on the roads. The cemetery will have paths for you to follow rather than driving across the grass. As you walk to your loved one’s grave, be aware of where you are and try not to walk between the headstones or stand on top of the graves. This is considered disrespectful to the deceased.

Avoid Littering

Make sure you leave the cemetery as clean as you found it. Caretakers work incredibly hard to keep the grounds looking pristine. If you bring any garbage with you, make sure to take it with you or dispose of it in a garbage can. You should also follow cemetery rules about decorations. Flowers and other decorations can blow in the wind creating a mess after you are gone.

Leash Your Pets

If you decide to bring your pets with you, make sure to keep them leashed and clean up after them.
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