Burial Guide

What is a burial?

A burial service is a ceremony where the coffin is lowered into the ground, typically held after the main funeral service. Mourners are often invited to attend the burial, which may include readings or prayers, depending on religious beliefs or preferences of the family.

Which religions believe in burials?

Different religious beliefs have varied preferences when it comes to burials. Please contact a member of the team to discuss in detail the different services we can provide, however as an overview the following religions state:

• For Islamics, burial is mandated and preferably without a coffin.
• In Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism cremation is mandated, although Sikhs can be buried if cremation is not available.
• Christian denominations can be either buried or cremated.
• There is still an inclination to burial in Roman Catholicism, but cremation is permitted. The current Pope ruled in 2016 that following cremation ashes should then be “laid to rest in a sacred place”, the implication of which is that ashes should not be scattered, put into keepsakes, kept at home or separated between different parties.

How can I personalise a burial?

There are many ways you can personalise a burial. At CPJ Field we recognise that every life is unique and every funeral should be unique too. Please refer to our section on Things to Consider to help you tailor every last detail to suit your and your loved ones wishes, from a choice of different coffins, to transport or poems and readings, every aspect of a burial can be personalised.

Where can burials happen?

Depending on your preferences, in the UK burials can happen in the following places:

• A churchyard
• A council-owned cemetery
• Woodland burial in a natural burial ground
• At sea

If you’d like help in making arrangements for a burial, please contact your nearest funeral director who can help with putting everything in place.

How do I find a burial plot?

The landowner for the burial plot depends on where the plot is located. Cemeteries are usually owned by the local authority or council, or by a religious organisation such as a church. There are also privately owned burial grounds.

If you are looking to purchase a burial plot for someone who has recently died, then your funeral director will purchase the burial plot on your behalf. If you are looking to purchase a burial plot in advance, you can contact the owner directly.

How much do burial plots cost?

The cost of a burial plot in the UK varies greatly depending on the county and location (i.e. in a rural area compared with a city).

The final cost can also depend on if you are local to the area or not. You also need to factor in the costs of the headstone or memorial plaque into your overall budget.

For more information on average costs for burial plots locally to you, contact your nearest funeral director here.