When a loved one passes, it is an overwhelming and emotional time. There are many factors and a lot of planning that goes into the funeral process, and some people do not know where to begin. Many family members start by looking for a grave marker to commemorate their loss. However, before you select one and compose the inscription, you need to pause, reflect, and make sure you have all of the necessary information. Certain design and size factors could alter your decision. Below are some of the factors to consider when selecting a headstone or grave marker.

What to Consider When Buying a Grave Marker

1. Size

Some cemeteries have a minimum or maximum grave marker size. Be sure to ask if your site has such requirements. Also, it is important that you understand what type of plot burial you're dealing with. There are different sizes for adults, and some married couples prefer to be buried in a double plot. Cremation plots are the smallest of all. All of these aspects can influence the size of the marker you need.

2. Required Symbols

Depending on the cemetery, you may be required to include a particular symbol as a part of the gravestone inscription. For instance, some Christian cemeteries require a cross, while the Star of David is a requirement for some Jewish cemeteries. Make sure you realize what must be included before having the grave marker inscribed and set in place.

3. Material or Shape Restrictions

Another limitation many people face is a restriction in the material or shape of the gravestone. For instance, some cemeteries require upright monuments, while others ask for flat models. Other cemeteries permit any shape, but they must conform to either a granite or bronze material. This is something you must be aware of before you start shopping for a gravestone or marker. Arming yourself with this knowledge will allow you to choose a marker that will be permitted in their burial plot and honors your loved one appropriately. 

If you are looking to buy a grave marker to honor a lost loved one, contact Quincy Memorials, a respected monument maker in Kingston, MA. They are family-owned and have served Plymouth County for nearly 70 years. In addition to grave markers, they also offer funeral urns, custom memorials, cemetery engraving, and rose quartz headstones. Visit their website to submit an information request or call (781) 585-5906 to arrange a consultation.