People have a lot of options that they can consider when purchasing grave memorial stones. How a person is interred will have a major impact on the design of these structures. Cremated remains are often stored in columbariums or interred in small-sized plots. These allow for the installation of vertical placards. Traditional burial spaces, however, will usually require the placement of a larger marker or headstone.
The amount of money that a consumer has to spend is also a major consideration when making these purchases. Markers tend to be a lot less costly than most headstones, given that they are smaller and fewer materials are used. These also have a range of benefits, including the fact that they are flush with the earth and thus, cemetery maintenance professionals can mow the related areas easily.
Fortunately, it is not necessary for consumers to buy these items immediately after their loved ones have passed away. The local soils will usually need a full six months to settle after a burial before headstones or markers can be installed. Buyers can take this time to build their budgets if necessary.
It is important to note that certain designs tend to be far more attractive to thieves than others. Thus, if you are considering options in brass, copper or bronze, you may want to look for special security features. Flagpoles and flower pots can be secured with connective chains. You can also have the name of the cemetery engraved on the bottoms of these items.
Flat markers are not as easy to spot as other options are and this can pose a problem for visiting family members. Those who are familiar with the grave site will be able to identify the resting place of their loved ones easily. Distant relatives and friends, however, may spend a considerable amount of time searching for the resting place of the departed.
Open book markers are an affordable alternative to flat markers and traditional headstones. Given that they are slightly elevated from the ground, people can spot them with ease. These can also be engraved with special inscriptions, poems or verses and have a considerable aesthetic appeal.
Buyers can work with their cemeteries when purchasing grave memorial stones or they can use local or web-based suppliers. Cemeteries tend to have limited selections for consumer to choose from, however, their prices may be best. A local seller will offer a greater variety of options in terms of how these products can be customized. When using online sellers, shoppers will have to factor in the additional costs of shipping and installation.