Burial or Cremation
The wishes of the deceased are followed, if they are known. A
cremation cannot take place if there are written instructions to
the contrary.
Cremation is sometimes chosen as a lower-cost option, especially
in metropolitan areas, where cemetery fees are very high. In
regional areas, cemetery fees tend to be less expensive, so cost is
not usually the main reason families choose cremation.
Cremation is a respectful, dignified process that feels right for
many of today's families. If you would like to know more about this
process, your funeral director will explain it for you.
If you choose cremation
There is no necessity in law to inter the ashes or keep them in an
urn. You may wish to:
- create a memorial for your loved one in a specially designed
garden or wall of remembrance
- create your own memorial at home or on a property
- have the ashes scattered at a location of significance.
This is a decision that doesn't need to be made straight away.
Your funeral director will give you a range of options when you're
ready to discuss this. That may be some weeks after the funeral
ceremony.
If the ashes are to be placed in a columbarium wall, the niche
size will need to be confirmed.
If you choose burial
If you are arranging a burial, you may already know the cemetery
that is to be used. Your family member may have even pre-purchased
the cemetery plot.
Feel free to drive through the cemeteries in your area. You will
see the different choices within them, such as:
- lawn areas where the plaque is recessed into the lawn
- historic headstone sections
- headstone lawn areas, where a more traditional headstone is
erected on a concrete strip or within a garden area.
What to do with the ashes
There is no necessity in law to inter the ashes or keep
them in an urn. You may wish to:
- create a memorial for your loved one in a specially designed
garden or wall of remembrance
- create your own memorial at home or on a property have the
ashes scattered at a location of significance.
This is a decision that doesn't need to be made straight away.
Your funeral director will give you a range of options when you're
ready to discuss this. That may be some weeks after the funeral
ceremony.If the ashes are to be placed in a columbarium wall, the
niche size will need to be confirmed.
Cemetery options
If you are arranging a burial, you may already know the cemetery
that is to be used. Your family member may have even pre-purchased
the cemetery plot.Feel free to drive through the cemeteries in your
area. You will see the different choices within them, such as:
- lawn areas where the plaque is recessed into the lawn historic
headstone sections headstone lawn areas, where a more traditional
headstone is erected on a concrete strip or
- within a garden area. Your funeral director will have
information on all cemetery options and can arrange a time for you
to meet with the cemetery official, if you wish to select a
particular location within it.
Pre-purchasing additional cemetery plots
It can be difficult at this time of sadness to discuss future
family deaths. However, if it's important that other family members
be buried alongside your loved one, you may need to consider
pre-purchasing adjoining plots now.