Selecting the best cemetery headstones for your deceased loved ones is not easy. It would help if you considered the installation process, design, and even maintenance needs of the chosen grave marker. The importance of cemetery monuments and cemetery headstones in the mourning process and years after burial is worth noting. The selection should bring out the personality of the departed associate and look good for decades.

Here are four things to consider before buying cemetery headstones.

Rules and regulations of the cemetery

The first things to consider are the rules and regulations of the cemetery where you would prefer to be buried if you are buying it for yourself or where you plan to lay to rest your loved one. Several cemeteries have varied restrictive rules governing grave modifications. For instance, there are places where only flat grave markers are allowed, while others can only permit markers made from certain materials like granite or bronze. Do not buy your cemetery monuments or headstones without understanding the rules and regulations applicable to your cemetery.

Available designs

Once you understand the rules and regulations in the cemetery, take time to shop around for designs. You have endless options, and there is room to customize the final product into a headstone you desire. Visiting your local cemeteries can help you decide. Take pictures if allowed, or download them online and show them to your headstone artist.

You can go for flat markers mainly made from granite or bronze. Alternatively, bevel markers have a slanting installation. Bevels are also called pillow markers.

You are also free to go for an upright headstone for a more traditional grave marking. Additionally, a ledger marker covers the entire grave and is a good alternative.

Materials used to make cemetery headstones.

Bronze, granite, slate, and marble are commonly used to make headstones. Many graves have bronze and granite headstones because they are durable and easy to maintain. Additionally, granite is organic and comes in several colors. On its part, marble is attractive but needs regular maintenance because it is soft, while slate is easy to curve into the desired shape but is porous.

Inscriptions

After determining the rules and regulations, design, and material, focus on what to write on your cemetery monuments. The names and dates are common inscriptions. You can also add personalized epitaphs. You are free to add anything permitted by the cemetery, but mind the space limitations.