| The gravesite marker is a permanent fixture; a | | | | They also will last through the ages and will maintain |
| tribute that will be seen and remembered for | | | | their beauty with some basic care. |
| eternity. It is therefore important to give thought to | | | | A funeral director or a representative from the |
| choosing the right marker for your family members. | | | | graveyard can help you determine the right gravesite |
| Pre-planning for a death allows family and friends to | | | | marker for your situation. Many cemeteries have |
| act precisely in accordance with the wishes of the | | | | restrictions on the size or type of gravesite marker |
| deceased. The person who has pre-planned their | | | | allowed in the cemetery or in the particular area |
| funeral and gravesite marker before they die will | | | | where the burial site will be located. There may also |
| have everything from the ceremony arrangements | | | | be a restriction based on the size of the plot. Talk |
| to the gravesite location exactly the way that they | | | | with the funeral director or cemetery caretaker |
| wish and will help alleviate the stress and burden on | | | | about your options before making a gravesite marker |
| the family during a very difficult time. | | | | purchase. |
| Some families choose to put off the decision to buy | | | | Engravings or carvings on gravesite markers can also |
| a gravesite marker for weeks or even months after | | | | vary widely. Depending on the size of the marker |
| the funeral is over if the decision was not made prior | | | | and the wishes of the deceased, the marker may |
| to the loss of a loved one. The event is such a | | | | include the deceased name and dates of birth and |
| stressful and grief-filled time that it can be hard to | | | | death only. The engravings on a headstone or |
| make such permanent and important decisions. | | | | monument may be lengthier with an epitaph, quote |
| Instead of rushing into a decision that is not quite | | | | or loving message from the family. The words on the |
| perfect, it is wise to wait until things have calmed | | | | stone should be thoughtfully considered as they |
| down. You should never rush into the purchase of a | | | | stand as a memorial to the life of the deceased. |
| gravesite marker or settle for one that is less than | | | | Whatever you choose, keep the interests of the |
| ideal. | | | | dead first and the interests of the living a distant |
| There are many different styles and types of | | | | second. |
| gravesite markers. They vary in style, purpose and | | | | The choice in gravesite markers should be one that is |
| cost. The markers can range from a small, simple | | | | well thought out. You may have to settle for a |
| plaque set into the ground with the basic personal | | | | slightly smaller marker in order to pay for the full |
| information to mark the gravesite, or it could be as | | | | extent of the engraving that you desire, or you |
| detailed and grand as a large monument or statue in | | | | might have to buy a smaller marker to afford the |
| the middle of the graveyard. The choice is entirely up | | | | decorative scrollwork around the edges. From granite |
| to the family or deceased's preferences. Most | | | | to a shiny brass plate, just make sure that your |
| long-lasting markers are made of granite or bronze. | | | | gravesite marker is one that your loved one would |
| Both of these mediums can be easily customized | | | | have appreciated. |
| with the etching or engraving desired by the family. | | | | |