If you have lost a loved one, you might want to visit their headstone in the cemetery. Before making the trip, it’s helpful to brush up on a few rules of etiquette. Here’s a few tips to ensure that you can focus on memorializing without any issues or disrespecting other grave sites around.

Do:

Review the cemetery’s rules, regulations and hours.

Every cemetery operates differently, making it crucial to familiarize yourself with the rules, regulations and operating hours.  For example, there might be information on where to park; if any areas are restricted, or days when the cemetery is inaccessible. You may want to call the cemetery office or review the cemetery’s website before the visit to ensure you’re aware of any rules or regulations.

Be respectful of other visitors.

Visiting the grave site of a loved one or friend is a highly personal and private experience. While you can’t guarantee you won’t run into other people, you can take steps to ensure you respect their time and privacy.

Avoid playing music or singing loudly. If you’re traveling with others, speak in hushed tones to avoid disturbing others. Ensure your group sticks close together to create adequate space between yourself and other individuals or groups.

Don’t:

Leave a mess.

Depending on the length of the visit,  make sure to clean up to keep the space tidy. The concept applies for any bouquets you might leave; once the flowers have died, discard them.

Interact with other memorials or headstones.

During your time in the cemetery, you might be interested in touching, examining, or otherwise interacting with other memorials or headstones.  However, you should avoid doing so.  Not only are these pieces of personal property, but they’re highly personal and meaningful. Avoid doing more than looking at the headstones from a respectable distance. 

If you’re looking to purchase a headstone for a dearly departed loved one, contact Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix, NY. Since 1932, they’ve proudly provided residents throughout Syracuse, Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Madison counties with beautiful markers, memorials, and statutes to honor the lives of those lost. Visit them online to learn more about their memorials, or call (315) 695-3376 to discuss your needs.