The questions will never stop

When we start to talk about death and dying, there are so many questions. Perhaps, once we start to engage with death in a positive way, the questions will never stop. Isn’t that a good thing?

Q&A

So a brief resume of some questions and answers:

• How much is it all going to cost? An average burial might cost, given what else you include, around £4800 but a cremation is a bit cheaper at £3700. You might wish to consider the ecology in those calculations. A direct cremation, that is without a celebrant or minister i.e that is no service whatsoever, can vary between £800-1500.

For the funeral we might be paying for the flowers, venue hire and or catering. Do we need to embalm the body if we do not anticipate ‘seeing’ them again before the funeral?

• Do we need a coffin? A metal or wooden coffin can last longer than 50 or so years. Royalty often have lead lined coffins so that no one could interfere with the body, they might last far far longer… You can opt for a material shroud, with a solid board, so we can be lowered with dignity into the burial plot.
  
  The image above is a reconfigured coffin, which is now used as a kitchenette. The image on the right and up is one that can be a bookcase and then a coffin…

• Can we bury our loved one in the garden? Yes, but we need to be wary of the distance to the nearest water course, registering the death as usual, and mention it on the property deeds. Do people do this when they bury pets? As long as the garden used as a garden, no planning permission is needed. However, if more than a few plots are introduced, questions may well be asked…

• Why do we bury people 6 foot under? Body snatchers, to be blunt. That was the reasoning.
• Can I bury people at sea? Yes, but check here first. The licence is around £175. Your boat charge may be more expensive…

• What might it cost for a natural burial, like in a woodland setting with trees? The grave space, as it is called, may be around £900, but that doesn’t include the charges sought for the preparation of the ground, ministers fees (possible free in Scotland) and any charges from the undertakers. Our nearest one is Kilmarnock.
  
  What benefits could we see with a natural burial compared to one in a cemetery? More questions, the questions will never stop…

• How much does a cardboard coffin cost? Some online providers offer them around £150-500+. They do need to be accredited to be used in Crematoriums – worth a check. Some providers offer DIY coffins which can be self-built in 20 minutes.

So what questions might you have? The questions will never stop.