Burial or Cremation

Choosing Between Burial and Cremation

Crematoriums do not have specific service areas, so regardless of where you or the deceased lived, we can arrange a service at any location that feels most comfortable. The main consideration when choosing a crematorium is how far family and friends will need to travel to attend the service.

It’s also important to keep in mind that if you want ashes scattered at a particular crematorium, it may be more convenient to have the cremation take place there as well. Scattering ashes at a different crematorium after a service at another location may incur an additional fee.

Cremation offers flexibility in choosing a personal final resting place, as the ashes can be interred or scattered at a variety of locations, with permission.

Burial, on the other hand, typically takes place in a specific churchyard or cemetery, often one where family members are already buried or within the person’s local parish. A burial allows the family to place a memorial on the grave, creating a focal point for future visits. (In some cases, it’s possible to inter ashes in plots that allow for memorials.)

Keep in mind that many churchyards, if they are still in use, will only allow burials for parishioners, as space is often limited. The same applies to many cemeteries in villages, towns, and cities.

If you are not a resident of the parish, you may not be allowed to be buried in a new grave there, though you might be able to use an existing family plot, provided there is space and the right to be buried in it. In some cases, there may be space in cemeteries outside your area, but this will usually come at a significantly higher cost. To discourage non-residents from using up limited burial space, authorities often charge up to five times the standard rate.

This brings us to the cost factor. Crematoriums charge the same fee regardless of where you live, making it easier to estimate the service cost. Churchyards typically have a fixed fee for parishioners. Cemeteries, however, have different fees for residents and non-residents, so it’s important to be aware of these potential charges before moving forward with burial arrangements.

If you would like to discuss any details regarding a grave or burial, please feel free to contact us.

When deciding on a final resting place for cremated remains, there are several important factors to consider. Reflecting on the following questions can help guide your decision:

Is there an existing family grave that I would like to use?

Do I want the remains to be close to where the person lived?

Should they be placed in a cemetery or burial ground?

Would I prefer them to be buried or scattered?

Would I like a memorial to visit in the future?

How far am I willing to travel to visit the grave?

Do I want to have the option to visit the grave?

These considerations will help you make a thoughtful choice for your loved one’s final resting place.

We are here to assist you in arranging whatever feels most appropriate for you, and you should never feel pressured to make a decision quickly.

There are several options for laying cremated remains to rest, and here are a few suggestions:

Buried in a new ashes grave.

Interred in an existing ashes grave with another family member.

Placed in an existing full-size grave.

Scattered at a crematorium.

Scattered in a churchyard or cemetery (where permitted).

Buried in a natural burial ground or green cemetery.

Scattered or buried by the family in a special garden or meaningful location.

Buried at sea.

These are just a few options to consider when making arrangements for your loved one’s cremated remains.

For those seeking a more unique memorial, small portions of cremated remains can now be transformed into diamonds and set into jewelry. Additionally, garden furniture, ornaments, and keepsakes are available that can hold a portion of cremated remains.

If you would like us to assist with scattering cremated remains in a special location, we would need to obtain permission from the authority responsible for the land.

While scattering cremated remains at places like football stadiums, cricket fields, golf courses, or other public areas may be possible, we would ask that you arrange the necessary permission. We would require a written agreement before becoming involved in the process.