The choice between burial and cremation is a very personal one. Decisions may be influenced by many factors, such as family tradition, religion, or the wishes of the person who has died as stated in a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan.

When making the funeral arrangements, your funeral director will be able to guide you on all of the following, in addition to anything else you would like.

It is recommended that you check whether the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, their funeral wishes were held anywhere or if any wishes were stated within a will.

The first decision to be made is whether to have a burial or a cremation.

You do not need to have a funeral service, however, most people wish to mark someone’s passing with some form of ceremony.

The location may be determined by the type of service wished for, an example is whether it is religious or non-religious.

You are not restricted to a church or the crematorium chapel.

You are able to hold a funeral service wherever you wish, provided you have the land owner’s permission. 

Burial

1. If you opt for a burial, you will need to think about where this will take place.Your local Funeral Director will help you check local regulations and availability. If you purchase a new grave some local authorities allow you to reserve or purchase a grave space next to the one to be used.
2. If there is a grave already in existence that you would like to use, perhaps part of a family plot, then we can arrange to use that. We will need the deeds of the grave or any documents relating to the grave. If these aren’t in your possession, we can help you locate them. We will also check that there is space for further burials.

Costs you may need to consider for a burial might include: purchasing a new grave, reopening an existing grave and removal and replacement of existing memorials.

There may be a charge for the exclusive right of burial which means no further burials can take place in that grave without your permission.

In many areas, you must purchase this if you want to put up a memorial. We can advise you on local charges.

Cremation

Guernsey has a crematorium, operated by the States of Guernsey, where residents and non-residents are able to be cremated.

1. Services take place at the nearby chapel at Le Foulon.
2. Your funeral director can help with organising and planning a service at the Crematorium.

They will also be able to advise about important elements to be aware of when arranging a cremation such as what items can be placed with your loved one and the variety of options available for commemorating their ashes.