- Burial Services -
The earliest human burial dates back 100,000 years making it one of the longest-lived and most widespread of traditions. For an overview of the many different burial traditions, check out the websites in the Resources section below.
Understanding Burial Services
We deeply respect the tradition of burial. Explore the information below to learn more about the burial services we offer in St. George Hurricane, Ivins, and St. Clara. Please call us if you have any questions.
There are many things to consider when deciding whether to bury a recently-deceased loved one, or when selecting burial during funeral pre-planning. One of the first decisions you'll need to make involves choosing both the cemetery and the specific place of burial within its grounds. You'll then need to select a casket and possibly a burial vault, as many modern cemeteries require their use. At some point, and this does not have to take place right away, the decision becomes one of selecting the headstone or marker and writing the inscription. A member of our professional staff will be available should you wish to have assistance in making each of these decisions.
An Open Invitation
We offer a number of affordable burial service options. They range from: simple burials where only a member of our staff oversees the interment; simple graveside services led by a minister or celebrant; and a traditional funeral service followed by burial. Each can be tailored to meet the needs and expectations of today's price-conscious families.
An Open Invitation
Burial services in one form or another have been a part of human communities for millennia. If you scan our history, it really doesn't matter "when" or "where" you look, burial practices can be found. Graveside services can be seen in hundreds of Hollywood films and television productions; some are uplifting, others are humorous; and some merely attempt to convey the emotional weight carried by the characters involved. Because of these cinematic efforts, most are familiar with the appearance and traditional ceremonial format of a burial service. But when it comes time to make arrangements for a graveside service on behalf of a deceased family member, it can be challenging to turn what is only vaguely familiar into a truly meaningful, deeply personal event. This graveside service planning guide outlines the major steps involved and identifies the primary "talking points" when meeting with the funeral director. If you have questions about what you read here, please call us. A member of our staff is available, ready with the answers you need.
What's Involved in Planning a Burial Service?
All reasons aside, let's look at what's involved in planning a burial service. We've broken down the discussion into three areas-of-concern: the selection of cemetery and burial property, choosing a casket and burial vault; and planning the details of the graveside service.
Reasons to Hold a Burial Service
All reasons aside, let's look at what's involved in planning a burial service. We've broken down the discussion into three areas-of-concern: the selection of cemetery and burial property, choosing a casket and burial vault; and planning the details of the graveside service.
Simplicity
Many people today hunger for greater simplicity in their lives; a life that is natural, uncluttered, and uncomplicated. This is a desire which is nothing new to the human heart. Consider the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Quaker religious orders who continue to strive for a simple, sincere approach to life. We've long wanted to focus on what is most important, and the simplicity of graveside services does just that.
The Natural Setting
What better place to celebrate the life of a loved one than under the open sky, beneath trees, or beside flowers? No matter the type of cemetery that your loved one's burial services is held at, the emotional and spiritual comforts of the natural surroundings will be keenly felt.
Religious Requirements
There are profound religious reasons families choose burial services over any other final care option. For example, the Christian concept of resurrection of the body is deeply held by many and makes burial an act of religious ceremony. Jewish families and those practicing Islamic traditions also have strong religious and social commitments to burial.
The Importance of Witnessing
As mentioned earlier, human societies of all times and in all places have incorporated burial into their cultural or religious practices. This long-lived social relationship with burial has resulted in a core belief shared among peoples around the globe: burial is an act of respect, made most meaningful when witnessed.
When it comes time for you to make final care arrangements on behalf of a deceased family member you may be surprised to learn of the benefits of well-crafted burial services. During the arrangement conference with a funeral director you'll have the opportunity to discuss the features and benefits of graveside services and look at the top three reasons why families choose a graveside service:
Selection of Cemetery & Burial Property
Before delving deeper into the topic, it's important to note that a family member might have already selected and secured a burial plot or mausoleum crypt. Additionally, a distant relative may have acquired a substantial section in a nearby cemetery designated for the eventual interment of family members. In either case, you'll need to gather the documents required to establish ownership of burial rights and present them at the initial meeting with the funeral director.
What if there is no such pre-plan in place? Then you will need to locate a cemetery and select the burial property on your own. And while we know today's consumers are smart and have access to more information about products and services than ever before, we also know that the purchase of cemetery property isn't a commonly-made transaction. For that reason, we offer the following information:
- Unlike when you purchase a house (where the structure and the land are yours to do with as you like); when you buy a cemetery property, such as a burial plot, mausoleum crypt or columbarium niche; you are merely buying the right to inter (or bury) an individual (or individuals) in that location. The property you now have the rights over remains the property (and the responsibility) of the cemetery administration.
- A stated portion of the money you pay for these interment rights will be contributed to an irrevocable fund used in the on-going care of the cemetery grounds.
- The burial, as well as any future commemorative visits you make to the location will be subject to the specific by-laws as written by the cemetery administration.
- Just like when you buy a house, the cost of burial property rights range widely in price, depending on the exact location of the plot, crypt or niche. If you have time, you can certainly find resale "deals" on cemetery property; but if you're not shopping far in advance of need, this may not be of help to you.
There are other costs involved with the burial of a loved one, such as the fees charged by the cemetery for the "opening and closing" of the site, the headstone or grave marker and its installation, and the purchase of a casket and burial vault.
Because we have strong working relationships with local cemetery administrators, we want to help you with this part of the process. Simply call us to get started.
Choosing a Casket & Vault
The casket is often considered the most significant purchase during this time, but it can be affordable. We offer a variety of budget-friendly caskets and burial vaults tailored to your needs, ensuring that the cost aligns with your family's budget.
Your choice of casket will reflect your personal taste, whether you prefer hardwood or metal. We have options in walnut, cherry, maple, oak, pine, and various metal finishes. If you're unsure of what to choose, we're here to help. Contact us for guidance on selecting the best casket and vault for your needs.
Planning the Details of the Graveside Service
Your intentions and emotional needs shape the specifics of the burial service. If simplicity is your priority, our approach can differ from traditional religious practices.
While you might envision a typical graveside service with a clergy member leading hymns or prayers, we encourage you to let go of those expectations to foster creativity in the planning process. We’ll collaboratively establish the date and time, selecting meaningful readings, songs, and activities for the ceremony.
We'll discuss potential speakers, such as your funeral director, a clergy member, a celebrant, a family member, or a close friend. Although choosing the cemetery and burial plot is important, the service's format is where true emotion flourishes. Your funeral director will work with you to weave your loved one’s memories into a meaningful graveside service.
Are You Ready to Talk About Burial Services?
We're ready to listen. In fact, that's what we do best: we not only hear the words, we understand the feelings and the familial dynamics behind them. When you call us at for assistance in making the necessary arrangements for a graveside service, you'll discover the value of having an experienced ally committed to serving your family as you would wish to be served.
Discover
WHAT OUR FAMILIES ARE SAYING
"After my wife passed on while she was on Hospice, Affordable Funeral provided professional and empathic services throughout the process. They were responsive while guiding me for her services. There was never any difficulties of problems."
- Don North
- Other Ways to -
Remember Your Loved One
Coming together with loved ones after a loss is essential for healing. At HeartLight Funeral Services, we provide personalized services to celebrate & honor your loved one's life.
Burial
Lay your loved one to rest in a serene and beautiful location, offering a timeless space for future visits. It's a lasting tribute where cherished memories can be honored.
Lay your loved one to rest in a picturesque setting, offering a timeless place for future visits. It's a lasting tribute where cherished memories can be honored and remembered.
