If you have recently lost a loved one, there's a good chance that you're currently working your way through the funeral planning process. If so, one of the decisions you'll have to make is to choose the right memorial headstone for your loved one's resting spot. Unfortunately, many people don't realize that there are some specific requirements that must be considered sometimes. Here's a look at a few of the things that you should discuss with the funeral home and the groundskeeper at the cemetery.

Size Restrictions

Some locations have specific size restrictions for cemetery monuments in an effort to ensure continuity and reduce the risk of damage. Make sure that you clarify with the cemetery groundskeeper whether or not there are guidelines that must be followed in terms of the dimensions of the headstone so that you can maintain the proper size to fit within those restrictions if necessary.

Material Limitations

When you talk with a headstone manufacturer, you'll find out that there are many different materials that the headstone can be crafted from. Whether you're considering stone, marble, granite, or any other material, make sure that it's permissible within the cemetery in question. Sometimes, certain stones or finishes will be prohibited if they've proven problematic or the cemetery is trying to maintain a certain aesthetic.

Content Requirements

Another thing to consider and discuss with the groundskeeper and your funeral home director is the content requirement for headstones in the cemetery. Some cemeteries require that every headstone have a cross or a specific emblem engraved somewhere on the stone, while others mandate that you include the plot location. You should also double-check the guidelines and restrictions related to images before you have one added to the headstone. Make sure that laser-engraved images are permissible.

Placement Fees And Notice

You should also ask about any placement fees or any scheduling that must happen for the headstone to be delivered. Sometimes, the cemetery management prefers to have the groundskeeper available when a headstone is being placed, which often results in a placement fee and the requirement to schedule that delivery and placement. Clarify this in advance so that you don't find yourself having to reschedule a delivery that is already happening.

These are some of the things you should consider ahead of time to help ensure that your cemetery monument selection is successful and free of complications. Ask your groundskeeper about any printed regulations that may offer additional information about placing cemetery headstones.