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Headstones and Markers - Choosing a
Memorial For Your Loved One
By Ben Anton
The gravesite marker is a permanent fixture; a tribute
that will be seen and remembered for eternity. It is
therefore important to give thought to choosing the
right marker for your family members. Pre-planning for a
death allows family and friends to act precisely in
accordance with the wishes of the deceased. The person
who has pre-planned their funeral and gravesite marker
before they die will have everything from the ceremony
arrangements to the gravesite location exactly the way
that they wish and will help alleviate the stress and
burden on the family during a very difficult time.
Some families choose to put off the decision to buy a
gravesite marker for weeks or even months after the
funeral is over if the decision was not made prior to
the loss of a loved one. The event is such a stressful
and grief-filled time that it can be hard to make such
permanent and important decisions. Instead of rushing
into a decision that is not quite perfect, it is wise to
wait until things have calmed down. You should never
rush into the purchase of a gravesite marker or settle
for one that is less than ideal.
There are many different styles and types of gravesite
markers. They vary in style, purpose and cost. The
markers can range from a small, simple plaque set into
the ground with the basic personal information to mark
the gravesite, or it could be as detailed and grand as a
large monument or statue in the middle of the graveyard.
The choice is entirely up to the family or deceased's
preferences. Most long-lasting markers are made of
granite or bronze. Both of these mediums can be easily
customized with the etching or engraving desired by the
family. They also will last through the ages and will
maintain their beauty with some basic care.
A funeral director or a representative from the
graveyard can help you determine the right gravesite
marker for your situation. Many cemeteries have
restrictions on the size or type of gravesite marker
allowed in the cemetery or in the particular area where
the burial site will be located. There may also be a
restriction based on the size of the plot. Talk with the
funeral director or cemetery caretaker about your
options before making a gravesite marker purchase.
Engravings or carvings on gravesite markers can also
vary widely. Depending on the size of the marker and the
wishes of the deceased, the marker may include the
deceased name and dates of birth and death only. The
engravings on a headstone or monument may be lengthier
with an epitaph, quote or loving message from the
family. The words on the stone should be thoughtfully
considered as they stand as a memorial to the life of
the deceased. Whatever you choose, keep the interests of
the dead first and the interests of the living a distant
second.
The choice in gravesite markers should be one that is
well thought out. You may have to settle for a slightly
smaller marker in order to pay for the full extent of
the engraving that you desire, or you might have to buy
a smaller marker to afford the decorative scrollwork
around the edges. From granite to a shiny brass plate,
just make sure that your gravesite marker is one that
your loved one would have appreciated. |
