Burial plots for cremated remains offer a meaningful way to honor loved ones who have been cremated. These smaller spaces in cemeteries provide a permanent resting place for urns containing ashes. A burial plot for cremated remains in a private cemetery typically costs around $1,000, though prices can vary based on location and specific cemetery policies.
Families have several options when choosing a burial plot for cremated remains. Some cemeteries have dedicated sections for cremation burials, while others allow ashes to be interred in traditional grave sites. Cremation plots are often more affordable than full-size burial plots, making them an attractive choice for those seeking a permanent memorial.
When considering a burial plot for cremated remains, it’s important to factor in additional costs. These may include fees for opening and closing the grave, purchasing a burial vault, and selecting a headstone or marker. Cemeteries may also offer columbarium niches as an alternative to in-ground burial for those who prefer above-ground interment of urns.
Understanding Cremated Remains
Cremated remains, also known as cremains, are the final product of the cremation process. These ashes hold significant meaning for many families and can be handled in various ways, including burial in designated plots.
Cremation Process
The cremation process involves placing the deceased in a cremation chamber where intense heat reduces the body to bone fragments. These fragments are then processed into a fine, sand-like substance. The resulting cremains typically weigh between 3 to 7 pounds for an adult.
Cremation can be performed as a standalone service or as part of a traditional funeral. Direct cremation is a simpler option where the body is cremated shortly after death without a viewing or ceremony.
Cremation costs vary but are generally lower than traditional burial expenses. Factors affecting the price include location, chosen services, and crematorium fees.
Types of Cremation Urns
Cremation urns come in various materials, sizes, and styles to suit different preferences and purposes. Common materials include wood, metal, ceramic, and biodegradable options.
Standard urns hold the entire volume of cremains, while keepsake urns store smaller portions. Scattering urns are designed for easy dispersal of ashes.
Some urns are crafted for specific purposes, such as water burial or incorporation into memorial jewelry. Personalized urns can feature engravings, photos, or custom designs to honor the deceased.
When selecting an urn for burial, consider the cemetery’s requirements and whether an urn vault is necessary to protect the container.
Legality and Regulations
State and local regulations govern the handling and disposition of cremated remains. Most areas allow families to keep cremains at home, scatter them, or bury them.
Burial of cremains in a cemetery plot typically requires permission from the cemetery and may involve specific rules about containers and markers. Some cemeteries have dedicated sections for cremation burials.
Scattering ashes on public lands often requires permits. Burial on private property is generally allowed with the landowner’s consent, but local zoning laws may apply.
Water scattering regulations vary by location. Cremains must be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore in many coastal areas.
Airlines have specific requirements for transporting cremains, usually involving proper documentation and security screening.
Burial Options for Cremated Remains
Cremated remains can be laid to rest in various ways, offering families flexibility in honoring their loved ones. Options range from traditional cemetery plots to more unique alternatives like urn gardens or green burial sites.
Cemetery Plot
Many cemeteries offer dedicated plots for cremated remains. These are typically smaller than full-size grave plots and can accommodate one or more urns. Some cemeteries allow multiple cremation burials in a single plot, making it a cost-effective option for families.
Cremation plots often permit headstones or markers for memorialization. Prices vary depending on location, plot size, and cemetery amenities. Families should consider ongoing maintenance fees when choosing this option.
Some cemeteries have family plots where cremated remains can be interred alongside full body burials. This allows for multiple generations to be laid to rest together.
Columbarium Niche
A columbarium is a structure with small compartments (niches) designed to hold urns. These can be indoor or outdoor and are often found in cemeteries, churches, or memorial parks.
Niches come in various sizes to accommodate different urn types. Some allow for personalization with nameplates, photos, or small mementos.
Columbarium interment offers a clean, dry environment for urns. It’s a space-efficient option that can be more affordable than traditional burial plots.
Families can visit the columbarium to pay respects, similar to visiting a grave site.
Urn Garden
Urn gardens are specially designed areas within cemeteries for the interment of cremated remains. These serene spaces often feature landscaping, benches, and decorative elements.
Options in urn gardens may include:
- In-ground burial of urns
- Above-ground placement in decorative structures
- Scattering areas within the garden
Many urn gardens allow for personalized markers or plaques to memorialize the deceased. Some offer shared monuments where multiple names can be inscribed.
Urn gardens provide a peaceful, contemplative space for families to visit and remember their loved ones.
Home Burial
Some families choose to keep cremated remains on private property. This option offers a personal connection to the deceased and can be more cost-effective than cemetery burial.
Key considerations for home burial include:
- Local zoning laws and regulations
- Property ownership changes
- Creating a meaningful, permanent memorial
Families may choose to bury the urn in a garden or place it in a special indoor location. Some opt for biodegradable urns that can nurture a memorial tree or plant.
It’s important to plan for the long-term care and maintenance of a home burial site.
Green Burial Sites
Green burial sites offer an environmentally friendly option for interring cremated remains. These natural burial grounds focus on minimal environmental impact and land conservation.
Features of green burial sites may include:
- Use of biodegradable urns
- Native plant restoration
- Prohibition of embalming chemicals
Some green burial sites incorporate cremated remains into the soil to nourish new plant life. Others offer scattering gardens where ashes can be spread in a natural setting.
Green burials often use simple markers like native stones or trees instead of traditional headstones. This option appeals to those seeking a return to nature after death.
Planning the Interment
Interment of cremated remains involves several key decisions and arrangements. Careful planning ensures a meaningful and respectful final resting place for your loved one’s ashes.
Choosing a Location
Selecting the right location for interment is a crucial first step. Traditional cemeteries offer dedicated sections for cremated remains, often at lower costs than full-size burial plots. Columbaria provide above-ground options with niches to house urns. Memorial gardens offer a serene, natural setting for urn burials.
Some families opt for private property interment, but this requires careful consideration of local regulations and future property ownership. Green burial grounds are becoming more popular for those seeking eco-friendly options.
Consider accessibility for future visits and the long-term maintenance of the site when making your choice.
Service Arrangements
Plan the interment service to honor your loved one’s memory. A graveside service can be intimate or more elaborate, depending on personal preferences and cultural traditions. Some families choose to hold a separate memorial service before or after the interment.
Decide who will lead the service – a religious officiant, celebrant, or family member. Select readings, music, or rituals that reflect the deceased’s life and beliefs.
Consider practical aspects like seating, shelter in case of inclement weather, and audio equipment if needed.
Burial Vaults and Containers
Many cemeteries require burial vaults for cremated remains to prevent ground settling. These outer containers protect the urn and maintain the integrity of the burial site. Urn vaults come in various materials, including concrete, polymer, and metal.
Choose an urn suitable for burial. Biodegradable urns are available for those seeking an environmentally friendly option. Some families opt for keepsake urns to divide ashes among family members.
Consider personalizing the urn or vault with engravings or decorations to create a unique memorial. Ensure the chosen container meets cemetery regulations before finalizing your decision.
Memorialization after Burial
Memorializing a loved one after burying their cremated remains provides lasting ways to honor their memory. Families have several options to create meaningful tributes at the burial site and beyond.
Headstones and Markers
Headstones and markers serve as permanent memorials for cremation burial plots. Traditional upright headstones made of granite or marble display the deceased’s name, dates, and personal details. Flat grave markers offer a simpler option that sits flush with the ground. Bronze plaques mounted on granite bases combine durability with customization.
Many cemeteries allow creative designs incorporating photos, artwork, or meaningful symbols. Families can personalize markers with quotes, poems, or religious verses. Some opt for eco-friendly materials like native stone or reclaimed wood.
Temporary markers are often used until a permanent headstone is installed. These may be simple plaques or wooden crosses to mark the plot location.
Memorial Services
Graveside memorial services offer a chance for family and friends to gather and pay respects after the burial of ashes. These can be held immediately following interment or at a later date. A clergy member or celebrant typically leads the service, which may include prayers, readings, music, and eulogies.
Some families choose to have a private ash interment followed by a larger memorial service. This allows more time for planning and for distant relatives to attend. Memorial services can be held at the gravesite, in a chapel, or at a meaningful location.
Yearly remembrance ceremonies on birthdays or death anniversaries provide ongoing opportunities to honor the deceased. Some cemeteries host annual events for families to visit burial plots and memorialize loved ones.
Scattering of Ashes
Many cemeteries offer dedicated scattering gardens for families who wish to scatter a portion of the ashes. These landscaped areas provide a peaceful setting for reflection and remembrance. Scattering gardens often feature benches, fountains, and memorial walls where plaques can be placed.
Some families choose to scatter ashes at multiple meaningful locations. This may include the cemetery plot as well as favorite places of the deceased. Biodegradable urns allow for eco-friendly scattering in nature.
Scattering ceremonies can be simple or elaborate, religious or secular. Many incorporate readings, music, or symbolic gestures like releasing butterflies or doves. Some families keep a small portion of ashes in keepsake urns as tangible mementos.
Maintaining the Final Resting Place
Proper upkeep of a burial plot for cremated remains ensures a dignified and peaceful resting place for loved ones. Regular maintenance and lease renewal are essential aspects of preserving the site.
Gravesite Upkeep
Cemetery staff typically handle basic maintenance tasks like mowing and trimming around grave markers. However, families often take on additional responsibilities to keep the plot looking its best. This may include removing dead flowers, cleaning headstones, and placing fresh decorations.
Some cemeteries offer enhanced maintenance packages for an additional fee. These services can include regular flower placement, detailed cleaning, and special care during holidays.
Families should check cemetery regulations regarding allowed decorations and maintenance practices. Many sites have specific rules about the types of items permitted on graves to maintain a uniform appearance.
Renewing Plot Lease
Most cemetery plots for cremated remains are leased for a set period, often 25 to 99 years. Families must renew these leases to ensure continued use of the burial site. Cemeteries typically send renewal notices as the lease expiration date approaches.
Renewal fees vary widely depending on the cemetery and location. Some facilities offer options to extend leases for shorter periods or purchase permanent rights to the plot.
Failure to renew a lease may result in the plot being reclaimed by the cemetery. In such cases, the cremated remains are usually moved to a communal area or ossuary.
To avoid potential issues, families should keep their contact information updated with the cemetery and set reminders for lease renewal dates.