Do Cremations Require Headstones?

Cremations are a very common practice in the United States. However, you may have noticed that many cemeteries do not have headstones on display. Some cemeteries may require that headstones be placed on display, while others may not. Headstones are often required by state law or by the religion of the person who is being laid to rest. 

Cremations are a common way of disposal for the deceased, and headstones are one of the most common types of final resting place. However, headstones aren’t required by law, and it’s common for most states to have a “consent decree” that allows for the removal of a deceased person’s headstone without a burial plot. Many people choose to have a headstone but not a plot, as headstones are distinct from graves or cemeteries. 

What Is a Headstone? 

A headstone is a memorial stone for a deceased loved one. It is a small, rectangular-shaped stone that is placed on top of a grave. Headstones are usually rectangular, but they can be curved or square-shaped if the deceased was cremated. They can be built from stone, metal or concrete. Headstones usually have a short inscription that is engraved on the stone. 

There are many different types of headstones, including simple stones with inscriptions, memorial headstones, and cenotaphs. Some headstones have an inscription above the grave, while others are flat so that the deceased’s information is reflected in the polished granite. Headstones can be a source of comfort for the family while others provide information about the deceased. While most headstones are made of normal, flat stone, there are a few that are made of different types of rock or have an unusual appearance. Some headstones even have inscriptions written on them. 

Why Is a Cremation Headstone Necessary?

A cremation burial is a beautiful way to honor a person’s memory. However, a headstone can make cremation a little more permanent. A headstone serves many purposes, such as marking the location of the grave, providing a way to remember the departed, and providing historical significance. One reason for their common presence elsewhere is that headstones don’t require maintenance like a gravestone. In most cases, a headstone is simply there to indicate where a person’s body is buried. However, a stone with the name of the person and their date of death is very helpful in cases where a person’s body is not found. 

A cremation headstone is a traditional symbol of remembrance. It is traditional for the urn or casket containing the ashes to be placed on the headstone at the conclusion of the funeral service. You may want to place a small urn or a few flowers on the headstone as a gesture of solidarity with the family and friends of the deceased. The exact location of the headstone will determine the significance of the placement. If the deceased person had no family remaining in the United States, then cremation may be the preferred option. In some cultures, headstones may be placed in particular locations to indicate the relationship between the deceased and that location.

For help with cremation memorial stones, consult Phillipsburg Memorial Company, serving Phillipsburg, NJ, and its surroundings since 1939.

Categorised in: Funeral Planning