Placing funeral monuments that aptly commemorate your loved one is perhaps one of the best and sweetest things you can do to honor their memory. Funeral monuments are markers set on the grave of the deceased to both mark their final resting place and remember their life and deeds. In many cases, choosing the perfect funeral monument is the last act of kindness a relative can do for their departed loved one.
Funeral monuments come in wide range of types, shapes and sizes. Depending on your budget and preferences, you should be able to choose one that will do perfectly. There are also a number of locations where you can purchase a monument for your loved one, so we recommend that you shop around. You can purchase funeral monuments from your local funeral home or cemetery, or purchase one from a variety of online retailers.
Types of Funeral Monuments
Individual Monuments
These monuments are affordable yet big enough to include relevant details about the deceased, such as the name and the dates of death and birth, as well as some designs. They come in both upright and flat styles, and there are several options of flower provisions. An indented space can be included on the top or a single vase can be placed on one side.
Companion Monuments
This type is a popular choice among couples since it is meant for two people. However, companion monuments are also used on family plots because there are provisions for additional names. For flower options, the most popular style is a vase connecting two slabs. Another is to have one huge slab and install vases on either side. Like the individual monuments, they also come in flat and upright types.
Headstones / Footstones
These are simple funeral monuments that are available in flat, bevel and slant types. They are placed on the head or foot of a grave and usually have just enough space for the name of the deceased, the dates and some minimal designs. If you are running low on budget, these markers are the best choice for you.
Specialty Monuments
Upright monuments are made of granite and can be carved into any image. Angels, saints, crosses and weeping madonnas are just some of the common images ordered for specialty monuments. Aside from the aesthetic property, another reason why there are people who prefer specialty monuments is that they can be easily spotted and remembered. The only drawback to this type is the price. Because they are customized, specialty monuments are often costly.
There are cemeteries that have some regulations when it comes to funeral monuments. Before getting one, make sure to check with your chosen cemetery about the rules. These regulations will also help you in selecting the right funeral marker.
After you have selected what type of monument you want from the list of funeral monuments above, we recommend that you view our articles on choosing an epitaph. The epitaph is inscribed on the monument and the words you choose are very important because they will permanently memorialize your loved one. Scroll down to view more articles on choosing a monument and inscription.
