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.
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.
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.