Some Tips for Proper Cemetery Etiquette

What are appropriate behaviors when visiting a cemetery? If you’re not sure how to act when you visit these solemn settings, you’re not alone. Many people are unsure exactly what to do or not to do. Whether it’s how to care for monuments in Phillipsburg, NJ or whether or not to bring your four-legged friend to the cemetery, the “rules” aren’t always clear.

Use the following tips to navigate your next cemetery visit with the proper etiquette. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your local source of monuments in Phillipsburg, NJ.

Pets

It’s fairly common for pet owners to take their dogs with them when they visit the cemetery. If you want to bring your pet with you, you should follow three simple rules. First, check the cemetery’s regulations ahead of time to ensure they allow pets. Second, always keep your dog leashed while at the cemetery. Third, always bring your pooper-scooper supplies and pick up after your pet.

Rules

Each cemetery has its own set of rules regarding visits and monuments in Phillipsburg, NJ. If you are planning to visit a cemetery, find out what these rules are before you go. Check the hours that the cemetery is open to the public. Before placing flowers or other items on graves, check the cemetery’s rules about these placements. For example, some cemeteries prohibit glass containers and certain types of lights or candles, for safety reasons.

Cars

If you drive to the cemetery, always follow the roadways. Never drive on the grass. Keep in mind that cemetery roadways are often narrow. You may have to give the right of way to another driver and do some careful maneuvering to allow passing. Parking is often a challenge as well. Remain patient and respectful as you drive your car in the cemetery.

Gravestones

Many tombstones are unique. Some are quite intriguing, and you might be tempted to touch a headstone. Unless it is your loved one’s grave, resist this urge. Touching monuments is disrespectful and can cause damage. Do not touch them and do not remove items from a stranger’s gravestone (even if it’s an arrangement of long-dead flowers).

Services

It’s not uncommon to visit a cemetery and discover that a burial service is taking place nearby. If this is the case, show proper respect for the mourners who are present. Do not get in the way of processions. Give them sufficient space. Turn off your cell phone. Do not stare. If the grave you were planning to visit is extremely close to the services, consider coming back at a later time to avoid encroaching on the burial service and the attendees’ privacy.

Get More Tips

If you have any questions about cemetery etiquette or monuments in Phillipsburg, NJ, contact the staff at Phillipsburg Memorial Company. We’ve been a premier memorial company for Phillipsburg, NJ and the surrounding area since 1939 and would be happy to provide the information you need. Family owned and operated, we are dedicated to exceptional service, dependability and craftsmanship. Call, email or stop by our office for a free consultation.

Categorised in: Headstone