A cemetery is a sacred place where friends and loved ones visit those who have died. While it is usually somber, it is also a way for a family to celebrate the lives of the deceased or for one person to spend quality time with someone they miss very much. Good etiquette in a cemetery is critical for ensuring everyone there is getting what they need during their visits to these memorials. Here is a brief guide.

Good Practices for Memorial Visits

Respect the Space

When traversing the cemetery, whether in a car or on foot, be respectful of your surroundings. Follow the roadways carefully and never drive over the grass. Abide the speed limit and watch for visitors crossing the roads. When walking never trek across graves and do not use tombstones for sitting, leaning, or anything else.

If you or a group brings food or other items to the gravesite, always clean up after yourself. Prepare children for the day and enforce good behavior, especially if there are other mourners nearby. For pets, first find out if they are allowed in the cemetery before bringing them. If so, keep them leashed at all times, and clean up any droppings.

You may encounter a funeral during your visit. Be respectful and do not obstruct the visitors or the procession in any way. Also, keep your cell phone on silent and do not engage other mourners as it may be a highly sensitive time for them. Never take photos of other people or memorials.

Share the Rules

Research the cemetery’s regulations. Make sure you know what is and is not allowed inside, and always stick to the rules. Before heading out, make sure everyone in your group understands the rules. Reinforce what is expected and how the day will go. Young children may have a lot of questions, which you should answer, but remind them that visiting a memorial is a quiet, reflective time and yelling and running are not allowed.

For beautiful monuments and memorials for you or your loved ones, call McGee Monument Co., Inc. With six locations in Arkansas, their team brings more than a century of experience to designing the perfect tombstone to honor the deceased. Their personalized services take into account your special wishes and specifications. From marble to bronze, they can also customize etchings in a spectrum of colors. To begin your memorial planning today, call (800) 750-0177. Visit their website to view examples of their monuments and urns.