How to Choose a Grave Marker for the Cremation Plot

When a loved one passes on and you decide that having a cremation service in Ballwin, MO for them is the way to go, you then have options as to what kind of memorial service you want to have, if any. You also get to decide what kind of final resting place you want for your loved one. Lots of people go with an ash scattering where they place their loved one in a special location. But many families also appreciate the burial process so there’s somewhere to go visit the person later on. Cemeteries have cremation plots available if you decide that burial is the way to go. You may want a marker on that plot to show everyone who comes by that this is the place where your loved one rests.

What is a cremation grave marker?

A headstone that is erected on a cremation grave is known as a cremation grave marker. The name, birth and death dates, as well as occasionally a brief inscription, are frequently found on headstones. Stone, marble, or other materials can be used to create cremation grave markers.

Steps in choosing a grave marker

 Here are the steps to consider as you move forward with the process.

Step 1. Put a budget Into place

It’s a good idea to put a budget into place when you are looking into markers. You’ve likely already spent money on the cremation package, which includes everything you have to have for the process. So the cremation plot and the marker you choose will be extra costs that you need to make sure you can afford. Once you have a budget in mind, you might be able to move ahead in certain directions that get you what you need for the marker.

Step 2. Choose a marker material

There are several marker materials that choose from, these includes marble, granite, bronze, sandstone or limestone. Marble is excellent for detailed design carving. The drawback of marble is that the inscription can become challenging to read after years of exposure to the little acid inherent in rainwater. Granite is a common choice for gravestones since it is long-lasting, comes in a wide range of colors, and is the least expensive material. Bronze is also a popular material because its durable and looks nice but the effects of weathering can damage  the marker over time. Because they are so simple to carve, sandstone and limestone are excellent materials. The material’s longevity, however, is a downside.

Step 3. Check options

Once you know what type of material to use on the grave marker, you will want to start looking into options. There are lots of different markers that can give you a unique look and style for your loved one, or fit into others around it in the cemetery, depending on what you want. It’s best to look through the options that fit your budget so you are able to get something special.

Step 4. Consider style

There are also many different styles and you want to get something that suits your loved one’s personality. You also want to make sure you follow any of the rules or regulations the cemetery has in place for size, style, or anything else. Knowing those rules upfront can be helpful to finding something you can use.

Step 5. Get details In order

You will want to carefully think about what you want to be engraved on the marker before you put in the final request. Once things are carved onto it, it is permanent. You don’t want to make a mistake that isn’t easy to fix later on. It would cost to fix something you gave the engraver incorrectly, in fact.

If you are planning out a cremation service in Ballwin, MO for a loved one, you may decide that you want to bury them in the cemetery. That means getting a cremation plot and perhaps even a marker. The professionals at St. Louis Cremation are here to help you with advice and options the whole way through. We know this is hard and we’re here for you.