4 Different Kinds of Burial Plots

Burial plots come in a variety of forms. While on the surface, the may all look alike—marked by a similar tombstone or maker, what is underneath the ground can be very different.

The four different types of burial plots are:

1. Single Plots

2. Couple Plots

3. Family Plots

4. Plots for Cremated Remains

A grave that contains the remains of one person either in an urn or casket is considered a single plot. This is a very common method of burial. However, it is not necessarily the most cost effective. If you or your loved one wishes to be interred with a spouse or a partner, you may consider a couple plot.

When a grave is purchased in advance, it is often possible to get a better price when buying a couples plot. A couples plot can be either two caskets or urns interred side by side, or stacked one on top of the other (depending on the laws in your area).

Many families choose to purchase multiple plots close together in an area of a cemetery. Sometimes these plots surround a large central marker bearing the family surname with the names of each individual buried in the family plot either inscribed on the central monument or marked with smaller individual headstones depending on the rules of the cemetery.

In some areas, family plots are multiple graves arranged side-by-side— purchased in advance as part of a package—for multiple family members. In other regions or countries, a family grave is dug deeper than a single grave with vaults stacked on top of each other.

The advanced purchase of multiple plots for family members is often an excellent way to save money. When shopping for cemetery property, ask about rates for multiple plots.

It’s wise to discuss this with other family members before making a purchase for someone else. Some individuals may have different ideas about what should happen to their remains after they pass away.

Similarly, when purchasing family plots, it’s best to talk with an attorney or stipulate in some legal documentation (either in a will or the contract for the property) that is to be interred in each plot. This will save trouble and confusion later especially if family relationships change. When purchasing a family plot, always keep in mind that as life goes on, ideas, wishes and relationships will often not stay the same. Have a plan in mind should something happen that would affect a family relationship. Make sure that these wishes are clearly documented.

Another way to save money is to inter inurned remains in one plot for a couple or multiple family members. Inurned cremains take up less space than the traditional burial of casketed remains.

In choosing cemetery property, make sure to discuss with your sales representative any guidelines or restrictions that may govern the burial of cremated remains in that particular cemetery. All of these things should be considered before you divulge too far into the buying process so that you are not wasting precious time.