Cemetery headstones should be chosen to reflect the life of the deceased. Dealing with the grief associated with the passing of a loved one is painful and takes time. Choosing graveside memorials, though painful, can be helpful during those first days of the grieving process. It allows us to reflect on the happy memories we have of the person who has passed. On a technical level, the three things to consider when choosing cemetery headstones are the cemetery's restrictions, the style of the memorial, and the headstone supplier you will use.
Many cemeteries have rules and regulations in place which restrict the type, size and material for a headstone. Before choosing a memorial, ask the funeral parlor what type of grave markers they will allow. Are certain styles prohibited? Does the cemetery have any color or material restrictions? Can the marker have a vase? If so, how large? Ask for a list of all of their restrictions in print.
Once you know what kind of headstone or grave marker can be placed on the grave, consider the different styles available. Material, size, color, and design are the four key stylistic elements to consider. A good memorial should reflect the taste of the person being memorialized and allow visitors the opportunity for reflection. Many dealers will have examples you can look at to get ideas. Photo portraits are a popular way of personalizing a memorial.
Most people purchase their headstones from either the cemetery or an independent headstone/monument dealer. Ideally, your monument dealer should have knowledge, compassion, a high quality product, accessibility, and good customer service. They should be understanding of your grief and treat you with respect.