Designing A Headstone? Things You Should Know First
If you have recently lost a loved one, one of the things that you might be tasked with is choosing the headstone to mark their final resting place. For those who have never been through this part of funeral planning before, the process may seem confusing. The truth is that it's actually pretty simple when you know what things you'll have to consider. Here's a look at some of the things that you need to know before you buy a headstone for your loved one's burial plot.
Check With The Cemetery First
Before you order a headstone, you should talk with the groundskeeper at the cemetery. Ask about the requirements, guidelines, and restrictions associated with grave markers on the property. Most cemeteries will have certain expectations and rules that must be followed regarding the type of material the marker can be made from, its size, and other similar information. Make sure you are familiar with these guidelines before you choose a headstone.
Choose The Material
Headstones can be crafted from a variety of different materials. Once you know if the cemetery has any restrictions, you'll need to choose from the options that are permitted. Marble, sandstone, granite, slate, and more are often available from most headstone creators. Think about the final look that you want and the durability that you're hoping for. If you're creating a headstone with intricate engravings, consider marble because most other materials will erode as the headstone ages.
Consider The Details
Once you have settled on the type of headstone you want for the burial plot, the next thing you'll have to do is decide what details will go on the headstone. In most cases, you'll want to have the person's last name engraved on the back, then their name and dates of birth and death on the front.
You can even incorporate their favorite phrase, a statement of memory, or even have a picture engraved on the headstone if you wish. Talk with the headstone creator about the options offered by their shop.
Ask About Setting Costs
Once you've designed and ordered the headstone that you want, the last thing you'll need to think about is the setting costs. Some cemeteries will require that the stone be placed by someone employed by the cemetery, while others will allow the headstone creator to place it. In either case, find out if there are additional fees associated with the placement of the stone so that you can be prepared on the day that your new headstone is ready to be put into place. To learn more, contact a company that provides custom headstone monuments.
