Planning for Burial  

Considering Bluestem as a final place of rest 

Several important decisions must be made as part of your end of life plan. They include caring for the body after death, calling in family members, preparing a gravesite service, arranging for the burial vessel and flowers, transportation logistics, scheduling the 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 suggest reviewing these six decision points as a starting place for planning.

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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 plain sheet, a wood or woven casket, a family quilt, a cardboard box
• 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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Home funeral guides, hospice volunteers, some funeral homes and other professionals in the death care industry can help you with these decisions. Find our growing list of professionals and services ready to assist families at Bluestem on our SERVICE PROVIDERS page.    

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A BLUESTEM BURIAL

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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.