Exploring The Burial Plot Selection Process

Posted on: 3 June 2016

Planning a funeral for a loved one can be a very stressful event. It can be difficult to plan this type of event when you're experiencing your own grief and going through mourning. If your loved one expressed his or her wish for burial after death, you will need to think about getting a headstone for the grave. The following information will assist you in choosing the proper headstone:

Understand the Different Types of Headstones

Headstones come in several different styles, and it can be useful to understand what your options are:

• Flat Markers-- as the name indicates, flat markers are placed at the head of the grave and lay flat in the grass.
• Bevel Markers-- like flat markers, bevel markers are placed at the head of the grave, but these markers are several inches thick so they rise above the grass.
• Slant Markers-- these are wedge shape grave markers; the base is placed flat on the ground and the marker rises well above the grass.
• Monuments-- monuments are what many to consider traditional headstones. They rise out of the ground several feet at the head of the grave.

Cost of a Headstone

The most common materials used for headstones are bronze or granite, or a combination of both. In general, the cost of the headstone depends on its weight, with heavier headstones costing more. It is important to be advised that the base price of a headstone may not be the final price you pay. The base price typically only includes the price of the tablet itself-- you will most likely be responsible for additional costs for engraving and adding any images.

Talk to the Cemetery Prior to Purchasing a Headstone

While headstones can be purchased from third party retailers, it is important to speak to the cemetery where your loved one will be buried to find out their rules and regulations. Some cemeteries require that headstones be directly purchased from them or an approved vendor. If the cemetery allows headstones from third party retailers, make sure to ask if there is an additional fee tacked on for the placement and installation of an outside headstone.

It is also important to understand the cemetery's rules regarding the size, style, and the inclusion of any special features. The last thing you want is to order a headstone from a third party only to find out that it does not meet the cemetery's requirements. To learn more, contact a company like McGee Monuments.