126 Questions to Ask When Buying a Cemetery Plot

If you’re in the process of making funeral arrangements, you may also be thinking about buying a cemetery plot. This is an important decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. There are many things to take into consideration when buying a cemetery plot, such as the cost, location, and size.

To help you make the best decision possible, I’ve compiled a list of questions you should ask when buying a cemetery plot. By taking the time to ask these questions, you can be sure you’re making the right choice for yourself and your loved ones.

Legal and Financial Considerations

1. What is the total cost of the cemetery plot?
2. Are there any additional fees that will be incurred at the time of purchase?
3. Is there a payment plan available for purchasing a plot?
4. Are endowment care or maintenance fees included in the purchase price?
5. Can the plot be resold or transferred in the future?
6. What happens if the cemetery ownership changes?
7. Will this cemetery plot purchase be affected by inflation rates over time?
8. Are there any property taxes that one should be aware of?
9. Is a vault or grave liner required, and if so, what is the cost?
10. Are there any discounts available (e.g., for veterans or pre-purchasing)?
11. Is perpetual care guaranteed, and what does it include?
12. What forms of payment are accepted?
13. Is the cost of opening and closing the grave included?
14. Can I pre-pay for future services like grave digging?
15. If I change my mind, is the plot refundable?
16. Are there annual costs to expect after the initial purchase?
17. What financial protections are in place should the cemetery run into financial difficulties?
18. Can you provide a clear breakdown of all future costs I or my family will incur?

Personal Preferences and Details

1. Can I choose the exact location of the plot within the cemetery?
2. Are there different types of plots available (single, double, family)?
3. How deep are the graves dug in this cemetery?
4. Can personal memorabilia be buried with the deceased?
5. Are there restrictions on the type or size of headstones or monuments?
6. May I personalize the headstone with engravings or special designs?
7. Can the plot accommodate special requests, like planting a tree or placing a bench?
8. Is there a space for cremated remains in this plot?
9. How are the plots marked during and after the burial process?
10. What measures does the cemetery take to avoid misplacement or loss of remains?
11. Will there be a record of the plot’s GPS coordinates?
12. Can I reserve adjacent plots for family members at this time?
13. What options are there for a couple who wish to be interred together?
14. Are there any rules regarding visitation times or decorations?
15. Can future generations make changes to the plot?
16. Is there an option for a private family mausoleum or columbarium?
17. Are eco-friendly or green burial options available?
18. Can arrangements be made for individuals with particular needs, such as war veterans or public servants?

Services and Maintenance

1. What maintenance services are provided by the cemetery staff?
2. How often is the general upkeep of the cemetery conducted?
3. Is there a dedicated groundskeeping staff, and what are their hours?
4. Can family members contribute to or take over plot maintenance?
5. What type of winter maintenance can we expect?
6. Are there any limitations on the types of plants or decorations allowed?
7. How does the cemetery handle storm cleanup and related damages?
8. What security measures are in place to prevent vandalism?
9. Does the cemetery offer any additional services, such as flower placement or grave cleaning?
10. What happens if a headstone or monument is damaged while under the cemetery’s care?
11. Are you able to accommodate special maintenance requests for an additional fee?
12. Will the maintenance fees increase over time, and if so, by how much?
13. What kind of irrigation system does the cemetery use to maintain the grounds?
14. How does the cemetery ensure the privacy and respect of visitors during services or maintenance?
15. What are the cemetery’s policies regarding the disposal of old flowers and other organic material?
16. Does the cemetery have a chapel or other facilities for memorial services, and what is the cost of using them?
17. How often does the cemetery update the family about the care of their loved one’s plot?
18. Can I obtain a copy of the service and maintenance schedule?

Religious and Cultural Considerations

1. Does the cemetery accommodate specific religious or cultural burial rites?
2. Are there any sections of the cemetery dedicated to particular faiths or belief systems?
3. Can a [priest, rabbi, imam, or another religious leader] be involved in or conduct the burial service?
4. Are there restrictions on the timings of burials due to religious reasons?
5. Does the cemetery allow above-ground markers that are significant to certain religions or cultures?
6. Can the bereaved conduct religious ceremonies or gatherings on-site?
7. Does the cemetery staff have experience with culturally diverse funeral practices?
8. Are there specific requirements for burial garb or items that can be included in the casket according to certain traditions?
9. Is the cemetery layout sensitive to religious directions, such as facing east or west?
10. How does the cemetery accommodate mourners who wish to visit graves during significant religious holidays?
11. Does the cemetery allow for the observance of traditional grave visitation rituals?
12. Are there facilities available for ritual washing or preparation of the body according to religious customs?
13. Can religious symbols or structures (e.g., crosses, stars, or monuments) be erected on the cemetery grounds?
14. What is the cemetery’s policy on music or chanting that might be a part of religious services?
15. Does the cemetery accommodate delayed burials for religious reasons, such as sitting shiva or other mourning periods?
16. Can dietary laws be respected during any funeral reception services the cemetery provides or permits?
17. Is it possible to orient the gravesite or structure in a specific direction per religious guidelines?
18. Can you recommend any local religious leaders or funeral services that are familiar with the cemetery’s practices?

Location and Accessibility

1. Is the cemetery located near public transportation or major highways?
2. Are there any plans for future development in or around the cemetery site that could affect accessibility?
3. Does the cemetery offer ample parking, especially during large funerals?
4. Are the roads and walkways in the cemetery well-maintained for all types of vehicles and wheelchairs?
5. Can visitors easily find specific plots or sections within the cemetery?
6. Is the cemetery’s layout accommodating to those with mobility issues?
7. How does inclement weather affect accessibility to the cemetery?
8. Are the visiting hours suitable for those who may be traveling some distance?
9. Is the cemetery well-lit for those who visit during evening hours?
10. Are maps or digital apps available to help navigate the cemetery grounds?
11. Does the cemetery have a system in place to assist visitors in finding particular plots?
12. Are restrooms and other essential facilities readily available and accessible on the cemetery grounds?
13. How close is the nearest accommodation for out-of-town funeral attendees?
14. Is there a reception or gathering area that can be used post-service?
15. Can funeral processions be easily accommodated within the cemetery’s layout?
16. Does the cemetery provide transportation services for less mobile visitors?
17. Are there any topographical challenges, like steep hills or uneven terrain, that might affect access to the plot?
18. Is there any assistance provided to those who may have difficulty paying respects at the grave due to accessibility concerns?

Long-Term Planning and Future Needs

1. What options are available for ensuring plot care in the event that close relatives are no longer around?
2. How does the cemetery handle long-term record-keeping and documentation of plots?
3. Are there considerations for environmental changes that might affect the cemetery in the future?
4. How are unclaimed or abandoned plots managed?
5. Can I pre-arrange for a specific type of service or ritual to be performed periodically?
6. Does the cemetery plan for expansion, and how might that impact the existing plots?
7. What is the cemetery’s succession plan should it no longer be operational?
8. If I move away, how can I ensure continuity of care for the plot?
9. Can I purchase a plot alongside or near my existing family plots?
10. Are there plans in place for natural disasters that could affect the cemetery?
11. How does the cemetery ensure the longevity of monuments and markers?
12. Does the cemetery offer options for memorials that could be added in the future, like plaques or statues?
13. Can you explain the process for transferring plot ownership to heirs or other designees?
14. Are there any restrictions on modifying or updating a plot as time goes on?
15. If I want to bequeath the plot in my will, what legal steps should I take now?
16. Can the cemetery provide guidance on pre-planning my funeral arrangements?
17. Is there any support provided for families when making arrangements for a deceased loved one’s special anniversaries or memorial services?
18. What technology does the cemetery use or plan to use for maintaining grave locations and records in the future?

Cemetery Policies and Restrictions

1. Are there size or material restrictions for headstones or grave markers?
2. Can families conduct their own burials or memorial services within the cemetery grounds?
3. What rules does the cemetery have regarding visitation and decorum?
4. Does the cemetery allow pets to accompany visitors?
5. Are there any specific items that are prohibited from being left at grave sites?
6. How does the cemetery enforce its policies and handle infractions?
7. What types of monuments or memorials are not permitted within the grounds?
8. Can the plot be used for burial ceremonies that might involve specific equipment like canopies or sound systems?
9. Does the cemetery have noise restrictions for services or visitations?
10. Are there guidelines for flags, lanterns, or other commemorative items at the grave?
11. What is the cemetery’s policy on photography or videography on the premises?
12. How strict is the cemetery on enforcing visiting hours?
13. Does the cemetery have any rules regarding the type of caskets or burial containers that must be used?
14. Are there limitations on the number of people allowed at a gravesite at one time?
15. What is the policy on large group gatherings or public memorials within the cemetery?
16. Can plots be personalized with benches, fences, or borders?
17. What is the policy for handling leftover funeral flowers or wreaths?
18. Are there seasonal restrictions or guidelines that visitors should be aware of?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Choosing a cemetery plot is more than ticking a box; it’s about love, memory, and the marks we leave on the world. Now that you’re armed with the questions above, you can step forward with confidence, making sure every little thing feels just right for you and your family’s future visits. This isn’t just about buying a piece of ground—it’s about setting the stage for memories and paying tribute to a life well-lived.