The type of funeral chosen is a very personal choice and when deciding on or arranging a burial, there are a number of important considerations including the place, grave type and memorial options.
Places of burial
Churchyard
A burial can take place in a churchyard if the person who has died is a local parishioner. In some areas, churchyard burial space may be limited or even full. Howe and Son Funeral Directors can liaise with your local priest or minister to confirm the right to be buried at your local churchyard.
Cemetery
Most cemeteries are non-denominational so you can have most types of service or ceremony. The local authority or a private company may own the cemetery, and fees may vary. Some cemeteries will allow graves to be purchased in advance. Howe and Son Funeral Directors can liaise with your local cemetery to make the necessary arrangements.
Natural burial site
They are often set in meadows or woodland areas with a focus on preserving the natural beauty of the environment and encouraging native wildlife and flowers. Natural burial grounds require all coffin contents to be natural and biodegradable and do not usually permit traditional headstone markers, with the aim that eventually the grave is reclaimed by nature. Find out more about green funerals.
Types of graves
New graves
A single, double or triple depth grave may be available, dependent on the burial ground conditions and local regulations. A double or triple depth grave may be required if more than one member of the family is to be buried in the same plot.
Existing graves
If a grave is already in existence or is perhaps part of a family plot, you will need to provide the deeds of the grave. We can arrange with the churchyard, cemetery or burial ground for the grave to be reopened and the headstone removed before the burial takes place.
Burial fees
These are charged for a new grave, re-opening an existing grave or removal and replacement of an existing memorial. Fees may vary if the deceased did not live in the cemetery catchment area.
Fees may also apply for the exclusive right of burial, which means that no further burials can take place in that grave without your permission. In many areas, you must purchase this if you want to put up a memorial. These costs may vary depending on the cemetery and the location of the grave.
Howe and Son Funeral Directors can advise you on the local charges.Burial memorials
When choosing a burial it is important to consider the type of memorial you would like to remember your loved one by. Memorials are subject to permit from either the local burial authority or church minister and are strictly governed by local regulations covering the type and colour of stone, size of memorial, type and colour of lettering as well as the wording used in the inscription. It is important that you check with Howe and Son Funeral Directors if there is a particular type of memorial or design that you have in mind.