If you’re planning a funeral or designing a grave marker, you already have a lot on your mind. This is why cemetery rules are often overlooked. They do exist, though, and often cover everything from cemetery monuments to visiting hours. While each location’s regulations will differ, below are a few examples of common rules to help you create a grave marker that respects your loved one and other visiting families.

What Are Some of the Common Cemetery Rules?

1. Design

Cemetery monuments have to share space with multiple burial plots. To ensure a uniform appearance, some cemeteries place limits on the material, size, and overall appearance of their grave markers. Some cemeteries won’t allow portrait inlays or carvings, for example. You may need to submit the design of your monument for approval before finalizing the project. 

2. Flowers & Seasonal Decor 

The type and placement of flowers may also be regulated to allow for proper maintenance. Fresh, live flowers are typically permitted if replaced often, but glass vases may be prohibited due to breaking hazards. Artificial flowers are sometimes allowed.

Decorations for birthdays and holidays shouldn’t cover the burial site, and there may be time limits on when they can be placed.

3. Permanent Lights & Decorations

Solar-powered lights aren’t always permitted, so always be sure to ask. There are sometimes limitations on the size or number of decorations allowed for a plot so they don’t interfere with maintenance.

If a cemetery doesn’t allow decorations and keepsakes, a solution may be to incorporate designs and messages to represent your loved one on the grave marker instead.

You deserve a company that will work within the rules of your chosen cemetery to create a beautiful marker for your loved one. Derrick Monument Company Inc. in Le Roy, NY, creates high-quality cemetery monuments to honor lost loved ones. Since 1915, their services have been respectful, affordable, and customer-oriented. If permitted, they offer custom details like solar-powered lights, flower holders, and porcelain portrait pictures. Learn more about their custom creations online, and call (585) 768-8470 to get an estimate today.