When you have experienced the loss of a loved one, you need to make sure to honor his or her memory. One of the best ways to do this is by choosing a headstone or grave marker to place at his or her burial site in the cemetery. Headstones and/or grave markers will allow you and the rest of your family members and friends to express appreciation to the beloved deceased individual for the treasured role that he or she played in your life prior to his or her demise. While it is true that both headstones and grave markers have very similar purposes, there are differences between the two that you will need to be familiar with so that you can make the right choice when making cemetery arrangements.
Understand the Differences
Grave markers are made from granite, marble, or similar materials. These markers are flat and parallel to the ground and are often rectangular or square in shape. These can't be seen from a distance; instead, you must get up close in order to see them and read what is written on them. Headstones, on the other hand, stand upright, though they are made from similar materials. These can be seen from a good distance away, and many designs will allow photographs, flowers, and more.
Don't Overlook Cemetery Regulations
Each and every cemetery will have its own set of rules and regulations that must be followed. These rules will govern everything from the minimum and maximum size of the grave markers and headstones to their materials. Therefore, prior to making a decision regarding a headstone or grave marker or having one made for your loved one, speak to someone at the cemetery where your loved one will be buried to ensure that you are familiar with their rules. The last thing that you want is to purchase something and later find out that it falls outside of their rules and cannot be placed.
Establish Your Purpose
As a general rule, grave markers are simple and straightforward in terms of their design, and headstones are more ornate and decorative. So if you want to honor your deceased loved one without going overboard, then you may want to opt for a grave marker. However, if you want to be creative while you commemorate your loved one, then you may want to consider a headstone, which will allow you to incorporate hearts, angels, and other imagery/text into the headstone, in addition to various styles of font.
