Planning for Burial  

Considering Bluestem as a final place of rest 

Many important decisions must be made as part of an end of life plan. 

They include caring for the body after death, calling in family members, selecting a cemetery of choice, preparing a service, arranging for the burial vessel and flowers, transportation logistics, scheduling the burial service, readying the gravesite, and engaging family members in the service, either with readings and/or song, or in the lowering of the casket and closing of the grave.

Natural burial requires more preparation, not only at the cemetery but from the moment of death. In the middle of grieving a loved one, families are suddenly faced with having to make many decisions. 

We recommend beginning your planning by reviewing the six decision points below. 

Home funeral guides, death doulas and funeral home staff are important partners who can help you with your decisions. Families that have held services at Bluestem have depended on professionals from all walks of life. Find a list of these knowledgeable Service Providers here.

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GET STARTED HERE

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Six Decisions 

YOUR BODY AFTER DEATH 

• Who will take care of your body after death?
• ​Can your family and/or friends perform this service? 
• Does your faith community provide this service?  
• Will you need the support of a Home Funeral Guide? 
• Will you prefer to work with a Funeral Home?

WHO WILL FILE FOR YOUR DEATH CERTIFICATE 

• Can your family and/or friends perform this service? 
• Does your faith community provide this service?  
• Will you need the support of a Home Funeral Guide? 
  
• Will you prefer to work with a Funeral Home?

BIODEGRADABLE BURIAL CONTAINER  

• What type of biodegradable container will you be buried in?
• Options include a shroud made from a plain sheet or family quilt (Please review Bluestem's Shrouding Requirements ahead of time) or a plain wood or cardboard casket can be pre-purchased from local vendors 
• Have you purchased your burial container?
• Will you need to consider construction or shipping time?  
• Does your funeral home of choice carry biodegradable containers? ​

TRANSPORTATION TO BLUESTEM   

• How will your body be brought to Bluestem?
• Can your family perform this service?  
• ​Do you have a friend willing to transport you? 
• Will you work with a Funeral Home? 

GRAVESITE SELECTION
Bluestem is open 365 days a year for visiting. You may also walk at Bluestem and consider your burial area of choice. Read more about burial areas currently open here.

• Have you selected a grasslands or woodlands burial?
• Have you selected your site? 
  
• Have you completed a Burial Preference or Burial Intake Form? 
• Have you paid for your interment right? 

BURIAL SERVICE    

• Do you have a faith/spiritual leader who will lead your service?
• Will family and/or friends lead the service?
• Will family and/or friends participate in the service? 
• ​Who is the point of contact for Bluestem? ​

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Sample Order of Service

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Every month, Bluestem offers a scheduled presentation or learning opportunity during our Bluestem Conversations program. Check out past offerings and upcoming sessions here.