Making the decision of burial or cremation can be difficult when you’ve just lost someone close
At Johnson, Durning & Woods we are here to help you in any way we can, and that includes burial and cremation options that celebrate the life of your loved one
Sometimes the person who has died will have already made the decision as to whether they want a burial or cremation, but if this decision is left to the family, it can be a difficult one to make. There may be influencing factors; family traditions and religious and cultural beliefs.
Burial
The most common form of burial is churchyard or cemetery. You usually have the choice of using a new or existing grave, subject to availability and local regulations. When purchasing a new grave some local authorities may allow you to also purchase space next to the grave being used. If you choose to use an existing grave, we will need the deeds or some documents relating to it. Don’t worry if you don’t have the deeds, we can help you and also check that there is room for further interments.
Burial fees
There may be fees for; purchasing a new grave, opening or digging the grave and also the removal or replacement of existing headstones. We are happy to advise you on the local charges accordingly.
Alternative burials
If you want something different to a churchyard or cemetery burial, you might choose burial in a vault, at sea, woodland or even burial in a local Pet Cemetery alongside a treasured pet.
Repatriation
If the funeral is to take place abroad, let us know and we will take care of the arrangements for you.
Cremation
Most crematoria will incorporate a service chapel; however you may wish to hold a service in a church or another location before you have the funeral service in the crematorium chapel. If so, we are happy to take care of arrangements for you.
What will I do with the ashes?
When arranging the funeral, you might be unsure what to do with the ashes. This is not uncommon and there are lots of options available. You are not rushed to make a decision, and we are happy to discuss all possibilities, give advice about local regulation and costs involved.
Scattering ashes
This could be at a place that holds fond memories, in the grounds of the crematorium, on a family grave, in your garden, at sea, abroad or in woodland or moorland. In some cases permission may be needed, which we can advise on.
Burying ashes
Ashes can be buried for a number of reasons. The family may want to have somewhere to come and reflect, or it may be the ashes are placed together with other members of the family. We can advise on suitable urns and caskets and any memorial you might require. You can bury ashes; within the grounds of the crematorium, in a churchyard, in a grave or in your garden. Again permission may be needed, and we’d be happy to do this on your behalf.
Keeping the ashes
Some people like to keep the ashes of someone who has died at home in a casket or urn. In some cases this may be so that when a spouse or partner dies, the ashes can be scattered together. We have also found families that like to place a small amount of the ashes in a piece of jewellery, such as a locket, to keep their loved one close to their heart.
We are here to help and advise you in any way that we can, and can sit and discuss all these options with you, and help with local regulations etc. If you would like information about memorials or resting places not mentioned, just let us know.
You do not need to make a decision straight away and we strongly recommend you allow time to consider all options. Some crematoria will hold ashes for a limited time, but we can hold them at our funeral home – free of charge – until you have reached a decision.
