Some Headstone Decorations are a Great Choice, and Others that You May Want to Avoid, So Let's Look at Just a Few Examples

Schrader-Howell Funeral Home • January 2, 2023

Knowing what to place on a grave site is crucial, so Schrader-Howell Funeral Home has a list of traditional items to consider and some to avoid leaving behind.

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When an individual passes away, it's not uncommon for their loved ones to leave items on their burial site as a way to feel connected to them. Working with funeral homes in Plymouth, MI, can help you create a truly memorable event and give you some insight into the types of items to consider utilizing. We are your local experts, so let's look at options for decorations, and we will also talk about things to avoid using.


Items to Leave on the Site


Every cemetery will have different regulations about what they allow the gravesite, so the first recommendation is to always check with them to see if they have any preferences. When it comes to traditional options, the most common include:


Flowers


Flowers are the most common and traditional type of decoration left at grave sites, and this is because they are seen as a way to respect and honor the deceased. Each flower and color have individual representations of the meaning, so choose ones that feel appropriate for your loved ones' memory.


Holiday Décor


Your main concern with leaving any seasonal or holiday decorations is you do not want to interfere with the cemetery's environment. Leaving items like festive wreaths in the winter or heart-shaped things that Valentine's Day can be great ways to feel connected to the loved one.


Grave Blankets


If you haven't heard of a gray blanket before, the design is essentially evergreens woven into a natural blanket laid out over the grave. Scandinavian settlers frequently used these and were generally placed on the site before the first snow to bring comfort to those suffering.


Items to Avoid


While it may feel tempting to choose something that feels more original, this isn't always the best idea. While something might feel meaningful, it may not be appropriate for the grave site. So, here are just a few items that may not be welcomed at the cemetery.


Oversize Flags 


Another common decoration individuals place on grave sites is flags. This is typically seen on veterans and Memorial Day and is used as a way to commemorate individuals' service in the military. While these can be a great way to commemorate the loved one's legacy, you want to avoid using oversized flags. The largest concern in this situation is the flag becoming not only a distraction but, if they sustain damage, can also become a liability for others in the area.


Fences


There is a belief that walking over someone's grave is a sign of not only bad luck or disrespect, so some individuals choose to install fences around the gravesite. This is another item to avoid because it can't interfere with the cemetery ground's upkeep and create an obstacle for the maintenance crew.


Your Team of Trusted Experts


Finding a way to express your grief after loss is crucial and having experts at your side can make a difference. If you have recently been experiencing a loss and researching funeral homes in Plymouth, MI, we would love to help you through the process, so contact us today for more information.


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