How to Buy a Family Burial Plot

Cemeteries are not something we think about until after a loved one has died and some decisions have to be made. One of the most important decisions is where the body is to be buried.

What is a plot?

If you have ever walked through a cemetery, you may have noticed that there is some sense of order and uniformity to how the headstones and grave markers are arranged. Cemeteries are divided into units called a “plot” which always faced east, and are arranged in a grid so that they can be easily identified. A single plot of ground holds the remains of one adult person. In certain cases, a single plot can be divided in half to hold the remains of two small children.

Shopping for a family plot

If it doesn’t matter in which plot your loved one is buried, the funeral home handling the burial arrangements can also handle the arrangements for the purchase of an individual plot.

But if some of members of your family think they’d like to be buried together, a better alternative would be to reserve a “family plot.” Family plots don’t refer to a specific location in the cemetery, but rather, refer to a collection of adjacent plots that have been purchased by a single family. Buying a family plot means there’s plenty of space for Mom & Dad, single children, and subsequent grandchildren to be buried next to each other.

Shopping for a family burial plot starts with a visit to the cemetery office. All you have to do is let the staff know that you are interested in purchasing a family plot, and they can provide you with a cemetery map of possible locations. Once you have the map in hand, you can check out the areas for yourself to see which one might be most suitable for your family.

Points you should take into consideration while shopping for a family plot include:

1. Cost per plot: Prices can range from $200-$1000 for a single plot, depending on the location and the quantity of plots purchased. View lots also seem to be pricier than non-view lots.

2. Payment plans: While you may be require to pay up front for a single plot purchased for a deceased family member, many cemeteries will provide an interest free payment plan for the remaining plots. When your family is looking to purchase a number of plots, a payment plan will definitely help.

3. What type of headstones will be permitted: If your family prefers headstones, then make sure that your family plot isn’t located in a “flat marker only” section of the cemetery.

4. Will a vault be required Vaults are concrete liners that “receive” the casket, and help preserve the evenness of the cemetery lawn. Vaults start at $500 and can be a costly funeral expense that are required at many cemeteries. If you have a choice, a cemetery that doesn’t require vaults may be a less expensive location.

5. What are the planting options for living memorials: Some family plots are decorated with perennials or shrubs which are cared for by the surviving members. If you would like your family plot to include a living memorial such as a tree, rose bush, or shrub, it’s best to check with the cemetery office first to see what is will be permitted within your family plot.