Your guide to funeral burial services

Planning a unique and meaningful funeral service can feel overwhelming. With so much to consider, it helps to have an experienced, caring professional by your side. At White Lady Funerals, our dedicated team of Funeral Specialists understand the challenges that come with planning a farewell, and we’re here to guide you through them.

Burials hold a special place in many cultures. They are a way to honour and preserve the memories of those who have passed. In this guide, we explore the concept of burials and the various options available to help you make a well-informed choice.

What is a burial service?

A burial is a time-honoured funeral tradition that involves laying the body of a lost loved one to rest in the earth (or sometimes a vault or mausoleum). It can symbolise a return to nature or give them a final resting place here on earth.

During the burial service, family and friends will often gather by the graveside to pay respects and say goodbye. When a family decides to bury their loved one, an important step is choosing the location of the burial plot. This important decision gives family, friends and future generations a place to visit and remember their loved one for years to come.

What are the types of burial plots?

Burial plots typically come in three different sizes:

Single

A plot prepared for one person, providing a dedicated resting place for your loved one.

Double

Plots designed to accommodate two people, allowing for a side-by-side or stacked burial. This option is commonly chosen for couples who wish to remain together at their final resting place.

Family

Plots with enough space for multiple family members to be laid to rest together. This provides families with the comfort that their loved ones are resting together.

Do burial plots expire in Australia?

When you buy a burial plot, you’re purchasing the right to use that space for a certain time. Australian cemeteries often give you the option to buy a burial plot for 25, 50 or 99 years.

Some cemeteries also offer the perpetual right of interment, which means your family retains ownership and the ability to use the space for generations to come. However, you may want to check with your chosen cemetery or local regulations for any unique requirements or restrictions that may exist.

Choosing between burial or cremation

Choosing between burial and cremation is a deeply personal decision that depends on your individual beliefs, cultural practices and personal preferences. At White Lady Funerals, we understand the importance of approaching this decision with care and compassion.

Here are some things to consider as you contemplate the best path for you or your loved one:

The cost

A burial is generally a more expensive option than cremation as it involves purchasing a gravesite, the right of interment and opening and closing fees. The cost is determined by the cemetery and your Funeral Specialist can help you navigate this process.

Tradition and cultural significance

Burials hold great cultural and religious significance for many people. They offer an opportunity to honour family traditions and allow for cherished rituals to and practices to be upheld.

Cremation is also a common choice today, as it allows the family to hold onto their loved one’s ashes after they’re gone. You may decide to purchase an urn to keep your loved one’s remains in, or a piece of keepsake jewellery to keep them close. You can read more about how cremation works.

Emotional connection

For some, having a physical place to visit and remember their loved ones provides a sense of comfort and connection. Burial sites provide a sacred space for reflection and remembrance, while cremation allows you to keep your loved one’s ashes nearby. Both options can help you find peace after your loved one is gone.

What is a memorial service?

A memorial service is a heartfelt tribute that celebrates the life and memory of your loved one. It’s a type of funeral service that can be held any time after burial or cremation. Memorial services can be held just about anywhere – a local place of worship, your home or another special place, like your loved one’s favourite park or beach.

If you’re not sure what type of service is right for you and your family, we can help guide you through the process and make an informed decision. Whatever you choose, we’ll help you craft a meaningful and personalised farewell that honours the extraordinary life of your loved one.

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