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.