Types of Cemeteries

It might seem like a simple concept, but when it comes to cemeteries, there are a few things you need to know when you start pre-planning a funeral or if the need suddenly arrives.

These days, many people don’t have “family plots” awaiting them. There are a few types of cemeteries, and knowing the difference among them is important.

Commercial Cemeteries

If you’ve ever seen an ad on television, online or anywhere else for a cemetery, it is likely a commercial cemetery. While the ownership of the cemetery land can get tricky, commercial cemeteries are purely for-profit ventures. They can be elaborate and grandiose, and can charge maintenance fees to keep them elaborate and grandiose.

Church Cemeteries

This is the type of cemetery that you probably picture when you think of a cemetery. They can range from small, country churchyards to larger, more established churches in cities and suburbs.

Church cemeteries – which can also include fraternal organizations – exist to serve the members of the church or fraternal organization, and while they can be just as elaborate as a commercial cemetery, interment costs are often paid by the church or organization.

Municipal Cemeteries

Municipal cemeteries are pretty self explanatory – they’re owned by municipalities, whether they are local, state, regional or federal. They can range in size from a small town cemetery for veterans to a large Federal memorial garden.

Private Cemeteries

Private cemeteries are owned by families and are usually small and rural. Maintenance is simply done by the family who owns the plot. While most are small and rural, some very wealthy families have their own private cemeteries that can get sizeable and expensive.

Choosing a Cemetery

Choosing a cemetery can depend on need, cost and tradition. Since The Funeral Rule doesn’t cover cemeteries and mausoleums unless they sell both funeral goods and funeral services, here are some things to think about when choosing a cemetery site:

• Headstones & monuments: Are their size restrictions? Are there certain types of monuments that are restricted?

• Cost: Depending on which type of cemetery you choose, there are burial and interment costs, and possibly maintenance fees. Check to see what the costs are in the short and long term and work them into your calculated funeral costs.

• How it looks: Cemeteries can look very sleek and uniform, or they can have lovely gardens and other features that make them more welcoming to visit.

• Location. Is it close enough for loved ones to visit? Does the deceased wish to be buried in the same cemetery as the rest of his or her family? Is the cemetery in a safe area?

• Religious requirement. Cemeteries aren’t required to meet any religious requirements – but many of them do. Don’t assume, however – ask.

• Visiting. Believe it or not, some cemeteries do not allow flowers or other remembrances to be placed on graves. If this is important to you, make sure to ask.