Memorial headstones allow mourners to reflect upon both their own lives and the life of the deceased. Dealing with the grief associated with the passing of a loved one is painful and takes time. Selecting memorial headstones is not something to which we look forward, but choosing graveside memorials is helpful during those first days of the grieving process. The three things to consider when choosing memorial headstones are the cemetery's restrictions, the style of the memorial, and the headstone supplier you will use.
Before choosing a memorial, ask the funeral parlor what type of grave markers they will allow. Many cemeteries have rules and regulations in place which restrict the type, size and material for a headstone. Are certain sizes not allowed? Does the cemetery have any color or material restrictions? Can the marker have a vase? 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 memorial styles available. Material, size, color, and most importantly, 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. Photo portraits are a popular way of personalizing a memorial.
For the longest time the only sources for purchasing a headstone were from the cemetery and independent headstone/monument dealers. Today, many types of retailers offer affordably priced memorials. 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.