There are certain things in life most people would rather never have to learn how to do. One of those things includes selecting a headstone or gravestone. If you have a loved one who has passed away, here are some tips to make selecting a headstone a little easier.

Cemetery Regulations

There are several important factors to consider when selecting a gravestone for a loved one. The first step is to find out what the cemetery regulations are. They may only allow flat headstones that lay flush against the ground or there may be rules about how tall a statue or figurine can be. Loved ones can then pick out something they love within the regulations instead of falling in love with something they cannot place in the cemetery.

Material

Headstones can be created from a wide variety of materials. Popular choices are granite and brass, but the options don't stop there. The gravestone can be made from bronze, fieldstone, marble, slate or sandstone. Granite is durable and is a favorite material for headstones because of its ability to withstand the weather without wearing away. Many of these materials come in a variety of color such as pink, black, red, green and much more.

Shape

A gravestone is available in many shapes. Headstones can be ordered as plaques, tablets, blocks or nameplates for stones that are meant to be flush against the ground. However, some people want something taller and larger. These shapes could be a capped stone, a pedestal with a surmount or a sculpture of some type. Popular shapes for a sculpture include crosses, angels and flowers.

Personalization

When selecting a headstone, personalizing the stone can be just as important as the type of material chosen. A picture, a poem, a quote or a verse from a favorite book or movie can be inscribed into most gravestones. Some family members prefer to have a vase included on the gravestone so they can leave fresh flowers on the grave whenever they visit.

Tour The Cemetery

This may seem like an odd thing to do while choosing a gravestone, but touring the cemetery is a great idea. It will give loved ones an idea of what is typical of the area, what looks best in their chosen section and even what they would like best. It also allows loves ones the chance to ask cemetery workers any additional questions they may have.

Don't be afraid to ask the cemetery and funeral home director any questions you have about headstones and gravestones. Consider asking someone from a company like Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home Inc. These people want to help make the process easier for you.