Yes, in many cases a person’s ashes can be buried in an existing grave, either beside the existing occupant or both ashes can be interred together in the one grave. Generally speaking, the cemetery or the local municipality will need to be consulted for permission and regulations related to such a procedure.
Family members often need to write a letter to the cemetery or local municipality to request permission to bury the ashes in an existing grave. All funeral directors will be able to assist with this process, and they often have established relationships with the relevant authorities.
Some cemeteries may have their own regulations around burial of ashes in an existing grave, and they may need to consult with the original occupant’s family before granting permission. If granted, the cemetery will most likely require payment towards the costs involved, such as additional grave space and memorialisation of the additional ashes.
Additionally, the type of casket or urn used to contain the ashes will have an impact on whether the ashes can be interred in an existing grave. The size and depth of the grave needs to be taken into consideration when making this decision, as the size of the burial will determine the type of casket or urn that can be used.
For a graveside ceremony, a memorial plaque can be added to acknowledge the interment of the ashes in the existing grave. The grave number and original occupant’s name can be included on this plaque.
It is important to check with the cemetery or local municipality to make sure a memorial plaque is allowed.
Table of Contents
Can you add an urn to a grave?
Yes, it is possible to add an urn to a grave. Depending on the cemetery regulations and wishes of the deceased and/or their family, an urn may be buried in a cemetery plot. Some cemeteries allow for an urn to be placed in a traditional casket, while others only allow for urns to be placed directly in the ground.
Additionally, some cemeteries may provide columbaria, which are special structures specifically designed to house cremated remains. If an urn is placed in a cemetery, be sure to read cemetery regulations and consult with cemetery staff to ensure that the urn is properly placed and in compliance with rules and regulations.
It is important to abide by all regulations in order to protect and maintain a respectful, dignified atmosphere in the cemetery.
Can ashes be placed in a graveyard?
Yes, ashes can be placed in a graveyard. Depending on local regulations, some graveyards and cemeteries allow the burial of ashes — known as cremation — in designated areas. These areas may be either in the ground, in a columbarium, or in another designated area within the graveyard.
If you are considering this option, be sure to check with the local authority as to the regulations surrounding the placement of ashes. Additionally, most cemeteries and graveyards will require the purchase of a grave or service prior to the placement of ashes in a cemetery.
Lastly, if appropriate permission is obtained, it is possible to mark a loved one’s ashes burial site with a memorial plaque or headstone, allowing family and friends to remember their loved one for years to come.
What is it called when you bury ashes in a cemetery?
When someone is cremated, they can choose to have their ashes interred at a cemetery. Ideally, their ashes would be buried in a cemetery plot that is marked with either a headstone, ground marker, or other form of memorial.
This type of burial is commonly known as an inurnment or interment of ashes. Depending on the cemetery and religious or cultural tradition, one can either purchase a single cemetery plot or a companion plot for both the deceased and the surviving family members.
In some cases, family members can bury a portion of the ashes in conjunction with a traditional burial as a way to honor the deceased’s memory.
Do you have to pay to bury ashes in a grave?
In general, you have to pay to bury ashes in a grave. The cost of this depends on the specific cemetery, as well as the type of grave you wish to have. In some cases, you may need to pay for a cemetery plot or section space, plus a one-time internment fee.
You may also need to purchase a headstone or memorial or cover the cost of maintaining the grave. For example, some cemeteries require ongoing care, such as landscaping and grass cutting. In addition to the actual burial costs, there are associated fees that may be applicable based on certain burial preferences, such as a request for a casket or even a fee for an outside officiant.
Depending on how your loved one wishes to be honored, you may have additional fees to pay. To learn more about the specific costs associated with burying ashes in a grave, it is important to contact the cemetery and ask them to provide you with a detailed breakdown of the specific costs involved.
Do you need permission to sprinkle ashes on a grave?
Yes, it is important to check with the cemetery before sprinkling ashes on a grave. Depending on the cemetery’s regulations, you may need to get special permission and/or follow certain protocols. For example, if the deceased was Catholic, there may be specific rules and requirements that must be followed.
Further, some cemeteries might require that the ashes be buried in an urn rather than sprinkled or scattered. Additionally, other cemeteries might have restrictions on where the ashes can be applied or scattered, such as not permitting it in certain areas of the grounds or along popular pathways.
It is important to also point out that scattering or burying ashes on a grave without permission can have legal implications. Contacting the cemetery prior to sprinkling ashes on a grave is the best way to ensure you remain within the rules.
What is the procedure for interment of ashes?
The procedure for interment of ashes typically follows the same steps as when interring a body with a graveside service. Depending on the cemetery or memorial park, the process may vary slightly. Generally speaking, the steps are as follows:
1. Contact the cemetery or memorial park to arrange a time and date that they can accept and process the cremains.
2. Prepare the cremains for the cemetery. This typically requires transferring the cremains to an urn or other vessel that meets the cemetery’s requirements, and can be buried within the cemetery’s grounds.
3. Secure any permits, paperwork and fees. Depending on the cemetery or memorial park, you may need special permits for burying a cremated remains within their grounds. Additionally, you will also likely need to fill out any paperwork, such as a Certificate of Burial and/or a Burial Permit.
4. If desired, plan a graveside service at the cemetery. This can be celebrated however you choose and include any religious, familial or cultural elements.
5. If the deceased was a veteran, any cemetery should assist in securing a marker or other memorial to recognize their service.
6. On the appointed day, go to the cemetery with the family of the deceased. You may have to meet with a cemetery representative and sign required paperwork.
7. When it’s time to go to the burial area, bring the urn and any decorations or other items that you wish to place in the grave.
8. Inter the cremains into the earth and say a few words of remembrance or prayer, if desired.
9. The cemetery staff may offer the grave a final blessing, prayer or salutation before the burial.
10. If the cemetery allows it, you may also choose to leave flowers or other mementos on the grave.
Many cemeteries and memorial parks will be more than happy to guide you through the process and provide further guidance, should you need it.
How deep do ashes have to be buried in a cemetery?
Generally speaking, the depth at which ashes must be buried in a cemetery varies from location to location and is often dependent on local regulations and guidelines. Generally, however, ashes must be buried in a shallow grave, no more than three to four feet deep, and a simple hole is sufficient.
The ashes should be placed in a buried container of some kind, such as a casket liner or Urn Vault, and covered with earth. It’s important to ensure that the grave marker is securely affixed to the ground above the burial site to eventually identify it.
In some cases, an intimate family gathering can take place before the burial and memorial services can be conducted afterwards. It is important to ensure that the burial site is properly marked and recorded at the local cemetery.
How do you bury an urn in a cemetery?
When burying an urn in a cemetery, you will need to follow the guidelines set by the cemetery. Generally, an urn may be buried in an existing burial plot purchased from the cemetery, placed in an urn vault, buried in a cremation garden or scattered in an approved area of the cemetery.
If an existing burial plot has been purchased, you will need to contact the cemetery office before proceeding with the interment. The cemetery may require registration and permits for the urn to be buried and for the ceremony of burial to be conducted.
The cemetery may have specific regulations in place for urn burial, such as size, material, installation guidelines and other provisions.
If a cremation urn vault is to be used, it will need to be purchased from a cemetery supply store. It will need to be placed in the cemetery with the cemetery’s approval. Depending on the cemetery, an urn vault may hold up to two urns.
The urn vault should be placed in the ground in accordance with cemetery regulations.
If scattering is desired, the cemetery may offer a designated area. This procedure must follow specific guidelines set by the cemetery. Depending on the cemetery, it may be a separate area or there may be specific regulations as to where scattering can take place.
The burial of an urn should be treated with care and respect. It is important to abide by the rules set in place by the cemetery. If you have questions, contact the cemetery office for help.
Can you put cremated remains in a casket?
Yes, cremated remains can be placed in a casket if desired. Additionally, many individuals choose to utilize a special urn that can be placed within the casket to accommodate the cremated remains. Some funeral homes may even provide a special insert or urn vault to place the urn within the casket.
One option is that the cremated remains can be inurned in the casket with the deceased prior to the burial. This allows for the whole body of the deceased to be buried in the same grave if desired. Alternatively, the cremated remains can be placed in the casket after burial.
This allows the family to keep the cremated remains at home with them as long as they would like and then place the remains with the deceased at a later date. In any case, speaking with a funeral home or cremation specialist is good practice to determine the best option for laying the cremated remains to rest.
How long do cremated ashes last?
Cremated ashes typically last indefinitely, although they may degrade over time. Ultimately, it depends on how the ashes are stored and cared for. If ashes are placed in an urn and kept in a cool, dry area, they can last hundreds of years.
However, if placed outdoors or in a humid area, certain elements may cause the ashes to naturally deteriorate more quickly. Furthermore, if the cremation process was not done correctly or the remains were mixed with dirt or other elements, they may stick together or take on a powdery quality and begin to disintegrate.
To ensure preservation, some families will opt to store the ashes in airtight, waterproof containers in cool, dry places.
How long does it take an urn to decompose?
It is impossible to provide a definitive answer as to how long it takes an urn to decompose, since this is highly dependent on the material of which it is composed. A memorial urn made of metal or ceramic could potentially last for centuries without decomposing, while urns composed of softer materials such as clay or cloth are likely to decompose much faster.
Generally speaking, urns composed of pottery, paper, or cloth may begin to decompose over the course of several decades. This process can be accelerated by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of soil organisms, which feed on organic materials and cause them to break down faster.
Additionally, the rate of decomposition can be accelerated by actively disposing of the urn in soil or compost, which allows the materials to eventually break down into simpler forms.
Are urns buried directly in the ground?
No, urns are not buried directly in the ground. Usually, when an urn is buried they are placed in a concrete vault or placed in an outer urn burial container, also known as a burial vault. This step is important because it helps to protect the urn against the elements and against possible deterioration caused by the ground and soil.
When burial vaults are used, the urn is usually placed inside a plastic liner and the vault sealed. Some families choose to use an above-ground burial container, like a stone or clay-based vessel. Depending on the requirements of the cemetery and the wishes of the family, the urn might be placed inside the burial container and then both the container and urn are buried in the ground.
In some cases, the urn might be placed in the burial container and then set above the ground on a ledge or pedestal, usually at a cemetery or memorial garden.
Is it okay to not bury a urn?
Yes, it is okay to not bury an urn. Many people choose to keep cremation urns at home, or to even display them in places of honour where visitors can pay respects. Instead of burying an urn, many people choose to scatter the ashes in a meaningful place, like a favourite park or beach, by air or water, or deposit them with a significant location.
Some people also choose to keep the ashes in a mausoleum or memorial garden, or use them to create special gifts or items like jewellery, art, or sculptures. Depending on local by-laws, the ashes may also be kept in the cemetery itself without the need for a burial.
The options available to you depend on local regulations, so it’s a good idea to check with your municipality or funeral home before making final arrangements.
How is an urn lowered into a grave?
An urn is usually lowered into a grave using a lowering device. This device consists of a frame that is either affixed to a hinged pole or permanently attached to the cemetery vault. If a pole is used, it is usually placed over the grave and a crane operator can then attach the urn to the pole using a specially designed hook, which is then lowered into the ground.
Depending on the cemetery and the size of the urn, the operator will slowly lower the urn to the bottom of the grave, where it will then be secured in place. The lowering device can also be attached to a shelf or a special vault lid, in which case the operator will secure the urn onto the shelf or vault lid, depending on the cemetery regulations.
Once the urn is secure, it is then lowered into the grave, taking care to keep the urn stable and not cause it any damage. Once the urn is in the grave, the operator can then fill in the grave with dirt and mark the site with a memorial headstone.
