A memorial stone is a beautiful and lasting tribute to a loved one. However, before choosing a memorial marker, you need to do some research. Finding out more about the use of the stones and how to display them correctly will help you make a more informed decision. To decide on a memorial stone, you first need to review a cemetery’s rules for placement. Click here for more information when buying memorial stones.
1. Researching the Rules for the Placement of a Memorial Stone
When selecting memorial stones, you need to ask the cemetery the following questions:
- What types of grave markers do you permit? A grave marker may be bevel, slanted, flat, or upright. Upright stones show the name and dates of birth and death of the deceased. Some cemeteries may limit specific markers based on the available space.
- What sizes of headstones do you allow? Usually, the standard-sized headstone is about 12 or 28 inches by 16, 18, or 24 inches. Headstones for companion gravesites are typically 36 inches by 18 inches or 44 inches by 14 inches.
- What types of materials do you allow? Granite and bronze are the two most oft-used materials to make headstones. That’s because they are durable and easy to maintain.
- What colors of granite are allowed? While rare in most cases, some cemeteries may restrict the color of granite you choose for a memorial marker. Typical colors used include pink, gray, red, or black.
2. What to Choose as a Gravestone Material
After you find out what materials a cemetery allows, you can select a material. Besides granite and brass, headstones may come in materials such as titanium and copper. As long as the material is approved, you can proceed with your plans.
In most cases, you will find it easy to have a granite gravestone made, as most, if not all, cemeteries will approve this type of material. Keep this in mind when selecting a headstone. Always check with the cemetery first before you place an order.
3. Inscriptions and Ordering
When you choose a headstone, you also have to consider the time it will take for the marker and inscriptions to be made. Usually, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to create the marker. If you want to relieve the burden of ordering a stone when you pass away, you can also pre-order a market for yourself.
It is also okay to add inscriptions after the stone has been made and installed. What you pay for the stone will depend on the material, type of marker, and inscriptions on the memorial plaque.
You can choose stones for both family members and pets. Even a lost pet can be remembered with a memorial stone placement.
A Few Final Thoughts
Whether you are interested in a memorial stone for a loved one, a pet, or for yourself, you can find a large variety of these types of plaques online. Before deciding on a marker, find out the rules for headstone installations in the cemetery where the marker will be placed. That will make it easier to figure out what material to choose and select for an inscription and design.
