The choice between burial and cremation is a very personal one and may be influenced by many factors, such as family tradition, religion, or the wishes of the person who has died.
Burial/Burial of Ashes
Locally, the most common form of burial takes place in one of the cemeteries in the borough where the deceased lived. You normally have the choice between using a new grave or an existing family grave. Special arrangements may have to be made if the burial is to take place in another borough or, for example, in a country churchyard where generations of the family may have been laid to rest. We will advise on the restrictions and procedures with regards to burial at your desired resting place.
New graves
Our advice when choosing a burial in a new grave is to book an appointment to visit the cemetery you are considering and select the grave in the area of your choice. We would be happy to arrange this for you and will advise you as to the cemetery which best suits your needs. With a new grave you will also need to state how many future interments will be required in the grave. When choosing the grave at the cemetery, check with the attendent what type of memorial (ie: just a lawn memorial or a full traditional curb set.) you would be allowed to place on the chosen plot before making your decision.
Existing graves
When a grave is already in existence it is helpful if the family supply a Deed to the grave. If, however, this is not available we can usually locate the grave if the following information is supplied:
- The name of the cemetery
- The names and dates of death of those already in the grave
- The grave reference number (if available)
- We will check who the owner of the grave is, if there is room for further interments and whether there is a memorial on the grave that will need to be moved to allow the burial to take place.
Cremation
Cremations can take place at any Crematorium. We have two locally - one in Bournemouth, with two chapels - and one in Poole, with one chapel. Both provide excellent facilities.
What will I do with the ashes?
This decision need not be made immediately. The four main options are:-
- You can keep them at home or we can take care of the ashes for up to one year at our Funeral Home. Please see Ashes information for a comprehensive range of Ashes Caskets and Urns.
- They can be scattered at the Crematorium (usually quietly by the Crematorium staff or if preferred you can witness the scattering by prior appointment)
- You can scatter them in a place that is special or meaningful to you, such as the beach, forest, river or at sea
- They can be buried in a new grave, or an existing family grave. Please see Ashes information "Burial Ashes Caskets" for options.
Alternative options are:
- A small amount of ashes can be taken to be made into a diamond which can then be set into a necklace or ring.
- You can purchase cremation jewellery that a small amount of ashes can be placed into.There is a company that can place the ashes into fireworks allowing you to organise a special farewell event. Or they can even send the ashes into space!
- There is a glassworks which specialises in which has a small amount of ashes added. They can provide glass pendant necklaces, paperweights, vases and many other products.
- We can provide display clocks that have a compartment in the back to display them discreetly.
- We can supply elegant garden sundials, pedistal planters and birdbaths that have a compartment for up to two sets of ashes.
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