After losing a loved one, visiting their headstone can be comforting. But if it’s your first time at a cemetery, you may not be aware of the etiquette expected of all visitors. Here’s a breakdown of what you should and shouldn’t do. 

Do: 

Learn the rules and boundaries first. 

Most cemeteries are privately run, so before visiting, look up their rules. Pass them along to anyone else who will be accompanying you. Stay within fenced areas to avoid trespassing onto other properties. 

Maintain a sense of solemnity and privacy. 

Speak with hushed tones, and refrain from playing loud music or singing. Give plenty of space to other visitors, and don’t take pictures of them without their permission. It’s usually fine to photograph the stonework and landscape. 

Clean up before leaving. 

If you had a picnic in front of your loved one’s tombstone, take everything away with you in a garbage bag or basket. You can leave flowers, stones, or other tokens of respect on the headstone itself. 

Don’t: 

Go near a funeral. 

Funerals happen every day, so there might be one near your loved one’s grave when you go to the cemetery. Keep your distance, so the mourning family can have their privacy. 

Touch someone else’s grave marker. 

You’re there to visit your loved one’s grave and no one else’s. Avoid sitting on, leaning against, climbing over, or posing with any other headstones. Don’t do gravestone rubbings either, as they wear down the stone. 

Let kids or pets roam free. 

Young children and pets may want to run around and play. Keep your pets on leashes, and watch your children closely to ensure they don’t disturb other graves or visitors. If your pet defecates, clean it up. 

Based in Honolulu, Hawaii Art Stone will use their state-of-the-art laser technology to create a beautiful headstone for you to see whenever you visit your loved one at the cemetery. As experts in crafting custom stonework, they’ll ensure your loved one’s grave honors their memory. To place an order, call them today at (808) 744-3162 or message them online.