Know your Cemetery – Rules & Regulations

The Cemetery… The final resting place for your loved one. Do you really know what is allowed at the cemetery you chose? There are many elements to consider before selecting your cemetery plot. There may be different rules and regulations from section to section in the same cemetery, so do not assume they are all the same. When purchasing a plot, if possible shop pre-need and shop around before purchasing. The family should question the cemetery as to the rules and regulations relating to the type of memorial permitted within the particular section.

There may be size restrictions as well as different materials allowed, such as granite and bronze or flat markers versus upright memorials. Go to the site to make sure that the section and area you’ve chosen is indeed what you expect. Ask for prices of all the sections in the cemetery as they can, and do vary from section to section. If you have purchased a sealed casket, you are not required to purchase a vault as this is a more expensive option. A vault has a sealed top whereas a liner is not sealed. They are both made of concrete and usually have holes in the bottom to provide proper drainage. Ask for the gauge of the metal casket you are purchasing as the higher the number, the thinner and therefore cheaper the cost and gauge.

When purchasing pre-need, always get the cost for opening and closing the grave and ask for a copy of any other costs that may occur in the future. Obtain rules concerning flowers, plantings or even artificial flower arrangements, that you may like to place on the property, as they may not allow a variety of options. Many cemeteries only allow flowers in vases attached to the base of the memorial. When purchasing a plot in garden type cemeteries that only allow flat lawn markers, ask and be aware of the installation fees these cemeteries may charge to install the marker on your property.