Before planning a funeral service, you should look into potential cemeteries. Choosing a location must be based on more than aesthetics or geography, and it’s helpful to know about the business side of it before you begin. Below, Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home in Greenwich, CT, shares some details about cemeteries to help you get started.

Rights & Regulations

People often assume that purchasing a gravesite means buying a tiny plot of land to own indefinitely. However, this is not the case. You’re acquiring the legal right to bury in a specific plot. Similarly, if you get a slot in a mausoleum, you are buying that same right, not a physical section of the tomb. As such, be wary of any conditions pertaining to the building or space and ask for a written copy of the location’s rules. Inquire about visiting hours and what decor you can bring inside the grounds. For example, can you plant flowers or a tree near your loved one’s gravesite? Are the visiting hours convenient? 

Vault Requirements

Not all cemeteries require vaults or outer chambers that house a casket. However, in many states, these features are legal necessities, as they protect the ground at a gravesite from bowing in and sinking with age. Plus, it’s easier to mow the grass and move grave digging machinery around a cemetery when the plots all feature vaults to add stability.

Maintenance

It’s common for cemetery fees to include maintenance costs. The small percentage of money goes toward landscaping tasks like mowing and tree care, as well as paying the team that keeps the area looking beautiful. Factor this price into the cemetery fees while planning a funeral service, so you’re not surprised by that additional cost.

Knowing about a cemetery’s rules and regulations and understanding what you’re paying for will help you make an informed decision. The compassionate and knowledgeable staff at Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home will help you navigate the complexities of planning a funeral service and procuring a cemetery spot. The company has 122 years of experience in the industry providing valuable support and resources. To schedule an appointment, call (203) 869-0315. Visit the website for information on their viewings and visitations, out-of-state burials, and foreign country services.