Gill Brothers Funeral Service & Cremation


Plan a Cremation with Graveside Service

Planning A Graveside Cremation Service

Interment of Ashes in Minneapolis

With the popularity of cremation continuing to rise, so too is the different disposition methods for the cremated remains. For many years, people would simply store their loved one’s ashes in an urn within their home. However, many families are now opting for a graveside service for the burial of ashes. This option allows friends and families of the deceased to have the body cremated and then hold a formal ceremony where the ashes are buried.

Can you Bury Ashes in an Existing Grave?

Yes, it is often possible to bury ashes in an existing grave. This practice, known as "interment of cremated remains," allows the ashes to be placed in a pre-purchased burial plot that has already been used for a traditional burial.

 What does Interment of Ashes means?

The service for the burial of ashes, also known as a graveside cremation service, is a ceremony held at the gravesite where the cremated remains (ashes) of a loved one are interred in a designated burial plot.

Burial or interment and ashes scattering in the grave are the two primary methods of disposition for cremated remains. Both methods allow for friends and family to gather before the remains are cared for and hold a formal service.

Typically, a graveside service includes many of the same aspects of a funeral service. This includes things like the singing of hymns, a eulogy, prayers, and readings. The service can either be led by a religious officiant or by a loved one of the deceased. During a traditional burial service, the committal is when the casket is lowered into the grave. However, during a graveside committal service for cremation, the ashes are either placed in a columbarium niche or buried in the ground.
planning a graveside cremation service

How Can You Bury Ashes?

Burying cremated remains can occur in one of two ways. The first is having the ashes spread loosely within the ground. The second option is to bury the ashes in an urn similarly to burying a casket.

If your family would like to spread the ashes, many cemeteries offer community gardens that the ashes can be spread throughout. This is commonly referred to as a scattering garden. Another popular way to spread the ashes are to plant them with a memorial tree or plant. Spreading the ashes has been shown to have many positive effects on the environment including enhancing plant growth. For many people, planting the ashes in a garden or with a tree represents new life and the deceased’s spirit living on through nature.

Burying the cremated remains is quite similar to a traditional burial. With this type of burial, it is important to know that many cemeteries will require you to purchase a cremation vault. This is necessary to help protect the urn, but also prevent the ground from collapsing and keeping the cemetery safe.
graveside service after cremation

Can I storage the ashes in Columbarium Niches?

A columbarium niche is an above ground structure on the grounds of the cemetery. The structure features a wall where the urn is stored and protected. Once placed within the columbarium, it is sealed in place for eternity. At most cemeteries, the columbarium is found within a mausoleum or a chapel.

Having the urn stored within a columbarium is a popular choice for many families that want to visit the remains to pay their respects. In most cases, the niche within the columbarium in which your loved one is placed is marked with a plaque to identify the remains similar to how a tombstone marks a grave. 

What should I know before burying ashes in the cemetery?

Burying the ashes of your loved one provides several benefits. It offers a permanent resting place where family and friends can visit to pay their respects and solace. It also allows for the preservation of familial traditions and provides a sense of closure and comfort for those grieving the loss. Before burying ashes in the cemetery, there are a few important things to consider:

 

Cemetery Regulations:

Familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations of the cemetery where you intend to bury the ashes. These guidelines may cover aspects such as the type of urn or container allowed, required permits, and restrictions on grave markers or monuments.

Plot Selection:

Work with Gill Brothers Funeral Service & Cremation to choose an appropriate burial plot within the cemetery. Consider location, personal preferences, and any specific religious or cultural requirements.


Memorialization Options:

Discuss the available memorialization options with us. These may include the installation of a headstone, plaque, or other commemorative markers to honor your loved one's memory.

Family Involvement:

Coordinate with family members and loved ones to ensure their preferences and wishes are considered when planning the ashes' burial.

Remember, Gill Brothers Funeral Service & Cremation will guide you through the entire process, helping you make informed decisions and providing support during this challenging time. Click below to learn more about our Cremation Options, our caring staff will be glad to help you get started.

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Affordable and Personalized Cremation Graveside Services in MN

 If you are ready to start planning a cremation with graveside service contact us at Gill Brothers Funeral and Cremation Services. We serve Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding metro communities. Please visit our Funeral Pre-planning section to learn more and pre-arrange online.
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