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 Mareena Purslowe 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
Family
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 Mareena Purslowe 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
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
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.
