Placing decorations around the grave markers of loved ones is a wonderful way to pay tribute to their memory. If you aren’t familiar with this tradition, you may not know what items can and can’t be placed around grave markers in a cemetery. Consult this guide for help with selecting tasteful memorial decorations. 

Do:

Ask permission.

Before you consider any sort of decoration, it is strongly suggested that you ask permission and read the rules and regulations set forth by the cemetery.  Many cemeteries have rules and regulations that must be adhered to and often times are strictly enforced. 

Place flowers at the site. 

Flowers are a popular decoration, and many types of flowers are symbolic in a cemetery setting. Make sure to check the cemetery rules since there may be restrictions on artificial flowers or certain types of bouquets. In general, it’s safe to bring a small, attractive display of fresh flowers. 

Decorate for holidays. 

It’s nice to bring special decorations to grave markers on holidays. Usually, families will bring decorations for Memorial day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Christmas, and other major holidays. Choose items that won’t interfere with other nearby grave markers or draw unnecessary attention. For example, at Christmas, you could decorate with a small wreath. 

Leave coins on grave markers. 

Leaving coins at gravesites is an ancient tradition that has seen a rebirth at military memorials, in particular. There is a special system where you leave a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter depending on how well you knew the person who passed away. It’s also common to leave coins as a token of respect for the deceased, even if they didn’t serve in the military. 

Don’t: 

Assume it’s allowed and you can decorate however you’d like.

Before you consider any sort of decoration, it is strongly suggested that you ask permission and read the rules and regulations set forth by the cemetery. Many cemeteries have rules and regulations that must be adhered to and often times are strictly enforced. 

Plant large flags or trees. 

Large flags are distracting and could get fall over or get damaged. It’s also perceived as disrespectful to leave certain flags out day and night. Instead of putting a large flag at your loved one’s gravesite, plant a small flag that won’t interfere with neighboring memorials. Although beautiful, shrubs and trees are often neglected over the years and may interfere with neighboring memorials.  They may also cause damage and staining to the memorial.  More often, cemeteries do not allow shrubs or trees to be planted. 

Decorate with breakable vases. 

Vases are often made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, or other fragile materials. They could fall over or break if someone accidentally steps too close or a storm passes through. The many broken pieces left behind are difficult for maintenance staff to clean up. Weigh a basket with a rock or two in the bottom to help prevent them from tipping or blowing away. 

Place fencing around the grave marker. 

Sometimes families want to place a small fence around a grave marker to keep it clean or to stop others from stepping on it. Since groundskeepers have to mow the lawn and keep the area in good condition, most cemeteries don’t allow any type of fencing around gravesites.

 

If you need help restoring or designing a beautiful grave marker to commemorate your loved one, reach out to Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix, NY. This memorial company is known throughout Syracuse, Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Madison counties for its fine craftsmanship and excellent service. You can see examples of their memorials online or call (315) 695-3376 to speak to a friendly representative.