If your choice is burial, there is normally a fee charged for digging the grave. There may be a further charge if you wish to purchase the exclusive right of burial. This means that no further burials can take place in that grave without your permission. In many areas, you need to purchase the exclusive right of burial if you want to put up a memorial.

Alternative burials
There are alternatives to burial in a churchyard or cemetery, such as burial in a vault, burial at sea and woodland burials.

Making it special
Many bereaved people take comfort from placing belongings such as photographs and letters in the coffin with the person they have lost. It may also be your wish that they are dressed in their own clothing, or that the coffin is decorated to reflect an interest or hobby they may have enjoyed. In a burial, there are fewer restrictions about the placing of possessions, choice of clothing and decoration than in a cremation, your local Co-operative Funeralcare funeral director will be able to guide and advise you on any such restrictions.

Cremation
Crematoria are different in their procedures, but the following is a general guide. Most crematoria incorporate a service chapel. You may wish to use this if you don't want to hold the service in a church or other location. However, if you do decide to hold the service in a Church or other location, you may choose to use the crematorium for the commital only. You may wish to play music at the service.

Many Crematoria will provide;

• an organist
• pre-recorded music from which you can choose
• a cassette or CD player on which you can play music of your choice

Possessions, Clothing & Decoration of the Coffin

There are some restrictions on what is permitted to be included in a committal, for example metal objects and certain materials. Your funeral director can advise on these.

The committal

The end of the funeral ceremony is usually called the Committal. There may be a closing of curtains as the committal takes place, or the coffin may move gently from sight. Some people prefer for the coffin to be left on view until everyone has left. You can discuss your wishes with your Funeral Arranger.