What to Consider When Choosing a Grave Marker or Headstone

If you are looking into purchasing a headstone or grave marker for a burial site, it can be a bit overwhelming, as there are a lot of options available in Phillipsburg, NJ and quite a few considerations you’ll need to factor into your decision. If you’re wondering, “Where can I buy a gravestone?” here’s a quick overview of some things to think about to help you focus on what’s important in your decision-making process.

Know the regulations of your cemetery

Each cemetery will have its own regulations with regard to the headstones that will be allowed at graves on their property. Some of the requirements may affect the type of material, the type of headstone and the size of the headstone. First and foremost, you should make sure any headstone you’re interested in fits the requirements of the cemetery in which you or your loved one will be buried. You can assume cemeteries will refuse any headstones that do not fall within those guidelines, as they exist for a reason.

Designing the headstone or grave marker

Knowing the cemetery regulations will help you make your decision here, as it will limit your options to a certain extent. There are several types of grave markers: upright monuments, slants (wedge-shaped markers), standard markers (usually lying flat) and benches (which also offer seating). You may also choose single or companion grave markers, allowing you the option to be buried alongside a spouse or loved one.

Most headstones will include the name, birth date and death date of the deceased, but you may have the option of adding additional symbols or words. Common themes include angels, doves, flowers, and crosses or other religious symbols. You may also choose to include a fitting quote or prayer to accompany the other information or symbols.

Accessories for grave markers

There are other accessories you might wish to add to a gravesite beyond just the marker or headstone. Plaques or sculptures might provide more information or more aesthetic value. For military veterans, it is common to use bronze military decals as part of the grave marker design. You may also wish to add images or photographs to grave markers, including full-color photographs designed in ceramic. Permanent vases are common for people who wish to leave behind flower tributes, and solar-powered candles have also become popular to have permanently lit features.

Source for monuments

You’ll have a variety of options available in terms of where you can go to get your gravesite monuments and grave markers. The funeral home or cemetery may be able to sell you a headstone or marker as part of your funeral package and make all the necessary arrangements to get that done, but there are also businesses that specialize in monument making and supplying, as well as local stone masons who may be able to take on the job for you. In many cases, you’ll find it possible to get lower prices with better quality results when working with a monument supplier outside of the funeral home.

For more information about choosing a headstone in Phillipsburg, NJ, contact Phillipsburg Memorial Company today.

Categorised in: Headstone