Burial service planning in one form or another have been a part of human communities for millennia. If you scan our history, it really doesn't matter "when" or "where" you look, burial practices can be found. Burial services can be seen in hundreds of Hollywood films and television productions; some are uplifting, others are humorous; and some merely attempt to convey the emotional weight carried by the characters involved. Because of these cinematic efforts, most are familiar with the appearance and traditional ceremonial format of a burial service. But when it comes time to make arrangements for a burial service on behalf of a deceased family member, it can be challenging to turn what is only vaguely familiar into a truly meaningful, deeply personal event.
This Burial Service Planning Guide outlines the major steps involved in planning a burial service and identifies the primary "talking points" when meeting with the funeral director. If you have questions about what you read here, please call us at 914-337-4585. A member of our staff is available, ready with the answers you need.
Reasons to Hold a Burial Service
When it comes time for you to make final care arrangements on behalf of a deceased family member you may be surprised to learn of the benefits of well-crafted burial services. During the arrangement conference with a funeral director you'll have the opportunity to discuss the features and benefits of burial services and look at the top three reasons why families choose to plan a burial service:
1. Simplicity
Many people today hunger for greater simplicity in their lives; a natural, uncluttered, uncomplicated life. This is a desire which is nothing new to the human heart. Consider the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Quaker religious orders who continue to strive for a simple, sincere approach to life. We've long wanted to focus on what is most important, and the simplicity of graveside services does just that.
2. The Natural Setting
What better place to celebrate the life of a loved one than under the open sky, beneath trees, or beside flowers? No matter the type of cemetery that your loved one's burial services is held at, the emotional and spiritual comforts of the natural surroundings will be keenly felt.
3. Religious Requirements
There are profound religious reasons families choose burial services over any other final care option. For example, the Christian concept of resurrection of the body is deeply held by many and makes burial an act of religious ceremony. Jewish families and those practicing Islamic traditions also have strong religious and social commitments to burial.
4. The Importance of Witnessing
As mentioned earlier, human societies of all times and in all places have incorporated burial into their cultural or religious practices. This long-lived social relationship with burial has resulted in a core belief shared among peoples around the globe: burial is an act of respect, made most meaningful when witnessed.
At Westchester Funeral Home, we're always here to help with any questions you may have on burial planning. Our team of knowledgeable and compassionate staff have many years of experience in planning New York burial services and would be happy to assist you with any questions at 914-337-4585.
What's Involved in Burial Service Planning
All reasons aside, let's look at what's involved in planning a funeral service with burial. We've broken down our burial planning guide into three areas-of-concern: the selection of cemetery and burial property, choosing a casket and burial vault; and planning the details of the burial service.
1. Selection of Cemetery and Burial Property
Before we get too far into the subject, we should mention that a family member may have already chosen and purchased a burial plot or mausoleum crypt. It's also very possible a distant relative purchased a large section in a local cemetery intended for the future burial of family members. In either of those situations, you'll need to obtain the cemetery deed or other documents necessary to prove ownership of burial rights and then bring them to the initial meeting with the funeral director.
What if there is no such pre-plan in place? Then you will need to locate a cemetery and select the burial property on your own. And while we know today's consumers are smart and have access to more information about products and services than ever before, we also know that the purchase of cemetery property isn't a commonly-made transaction. For that reason, we offer the following information:
- Unlike when you purchase a house (where the structure and the land are yours to do with as you like); when you buy a cemetery property, such as a burial plot, mausoleum crypt or columbarium niche; you are merely buying the right to inter (or bury) an individual (or individuals) in that location. The property you now have the rights over remains the property (and the responsibility) of the cemetery administration.
- A stated portion of the money you pay for these interment rights will be contributed to the perpetual care fund, used in the on-going care of the cemetery grounds.
- The burial, as well as any future commemorative visits you make to the location will be subject to the specific by-laws as written by the cemetery administration.
- Just like when you buy a house, the cost of burial property rights range widely in price, depending on the exact location of the plot, crypt or niche. If you have time, you can certainly find resale "deals" on cemetery property; but if you're not shopping far in advance of need, this may not be of help to you.
- Although the use of a casket or outer burial container is not required by the state of New York, many cemeteries require the use of a ‘suitable container’, which could include anything from an alternative composite to a burial vault or grave liner. Each cemetery has it’s own requirements and you will want to ask these questions when making your selection.
- There are other costs involved with the burial of a loved one, such as the fees charged by the cemetery for the "opening and closing" of the site, the headstone or grave marker and its installation, and the purchase of a casket and burial vault.