Tombstones, grave markers, and other grave monuments honor the lives of those who have departed from this earth. When a loved one is taken, dealing with the grief is painful and takes time. Selecting memorial markers is not a task we ever look forward to, but choosing graveside memorials is helpful during those first days of the grieving process. The three things to consider when choosing tombstones are the cemetery's restrictions, the headstone supplier you will use, and the style of the memorial.
Be sure to ask the funeral parlor what type of tombstone or grave marker they will allow. Many cemeteries have rules and regulations in place which restrict the type, size and materials for a headstone or grave marker. Ask what sizes are allowed. Does the parlor have any color or material restrictions? Can the marker have a vase? Ask for a list of all of their restrictions in print.
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. Ask companies you are considering if they have any testimonials from their former clients.
Once you know what kind of headstone or grave marker can be placed on the grave and have selected a vendor, you can 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.