Headstones and memorial plaques are used to commemorate the life and death of a loved one. Although both types of monuments are used in the cemetery setting to mark a burial site, plaques may be appropriate for other purposes. When selecting a monument, you must first determine any restrictions or requirements imposed by the cemetery or other governing body to ensure that your selection is acceptable. Understanding the different types of monuments will help you make an informed decision.
Types and Uses of Tombstones or Headstones
Headstones were originally large stone slabs that covered an entire grave, safely sealing it from the elements and preserving a deceased’s burial place. Today headstones and headstones are interchangeable terms used to refer to engraved headstones. A headstone can be horizontal and flush with the ground or raised a few inches, or it can be vertical and vertical, sloped or bevelled. Other possibilities include triptych or tablet style markers, obelisks, or even memorial stone benches. Usually when people refer to headstones, they mean some version of an upright monument. Typically, these memorials are engraved with the deceased’s name, birth and death dates, and possibly significant quotes, scriptures, or other sentiments.
Types and uses of commemorative plaques
Memorial plaques, when used to mark a burial site, are flush with the ground. They may be of engraved stone or stone with a bronze plaque mounted on top. Plaques can also be used to commemorate a cremation site or to mark an above ground crypt. Commemorative plaques have other uses as well, including serving as family keepsakes or as a public memorial. Family members can incorporate a loved one’s plaque into a memorial garden, for example, or install it in some other place of honor. This type of monument can range from a small medallion to a large headstone. The plaque is usually personalized with the same type of information found on an engraved headstone.
Make the perfect monument selection
Choosing the perfect personalized memorial can be difficult, especially in times of deep sadness. It helps to be familiar with the different types of memorials, headstones, and headstones that your loved one’s burial site will allow. Each cemetery has its own requirements and restrictions, and today, many require markers to be flush or level with the grass. This significantly reduces the time and cost of cemetery maintenance, as maintenance workers can simply mow down the marker.
You must meet the cemetery guidelines for the monument, or you will not be allowed to install it. However, as long as you comply with the rules, the cemetery cannot reject your monument. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission regulates disputes of this nature and can be asked to help if you have a problem.
The most effective way to ensure that your headstone or memorial marker meets the requirements of the cemetery is to use the services of a local monument company instead of a remote service. A local headstone engraver will be familiar with the rules and customs of your area and can guide you through your purchase to ensure your satisfaction. When you are about to commemorate the life of a loved one, custom engraved headstones and memorial plaques are always appropriate reminders.