After a loved one’s burial, you may return to the cemetery to place flowers on their headstone and reflect on their life. Be courteous during your visit, as others may be nearby, paying respects to their friends and relatives. Here are a few suggestions about how to behave at the cemetery.

Do:

Stick to the walkways.

To get to your loved one’s burial site faster, you may want to cut across the lawn. However, walking over other people’s graves is disrespectful. Even if it takes a few minutes longer, use the designated walkways to get to where your loved one is resting.

Abide by the rules.

Keeping the grounds manicured pays respect to the deceased who are resting there, and most cemeteries have rules visitors must follow to help maintain upkeep. Guidelines often include securing flowers to headstones with clips or bands or using the provided vases. Following these rules ensures your blooms and small gifts won’t fall to the ground and scatter across the grass.

Don’t:

Litter.

You may want to bring food into the cemetery to celebrate a birthday or another special occasion. To be courteous and respectful to other graves, take your rubbish with you or throw it away in the on-site trash cans.

Be loud.

As a tribute of remembrance, you may decide to play your loved one’s favorite song at the cemetery or talk to them about a fond memory. Although this is a thoughtful gesture, loud noises can disrupt others who are paying their respects. Hum songs quietly, and use a soft voice when talking with your loved one.

If you recently experienced a loss and want to create a headstone to pay tribute, contact Hawaii Art Stone in Honolulu. Their team will work closely with you to create a custom marker that pays respect to your loved one’s memory and life. View their options online, or call (808) 744-3162 to schedule a design consultation.