One of the kindest things you can do for your loved ones is to make all of your funeral and burial arrangements in advance. Doing so takes a tremendous load off of those closest to you at a time when they feel the least like making decisions. As you begin to ponder the options for purchasing Chicago grave markers, it pays to keep a few ideas in mind.

Have a Word with the Cemetery Owner

You already know that grave markers come in all sizes and shapes. What you may not realize is that many cemeteries have certain criteria for the types of markers that can be used on their properties. While it is possible to get some general ideas from strolling around the graveyard and making note of the configuration of different markers and monuments, don’t assume that all those are in line with the current standards. In come cases, some of those older markers may hearken back to an earlier time when the guidelines for markers were a little different.

In many cases, you will find that the cemetery owner is happy to provide written guidelines that will aid you in selecting a suitable marker. The information will specify maximum height, diameter, and may even provide some insight into the types of embellishments that are considered acceptable. With this information in hand, you can begin to consider different designs before purchasing Chicago Grave Markers.

What Materials Do You Want to Use?

You have probably never given a lot of thought to what materials will be used for your headstone. When you begin to speak with a representative of a monument company, the range of options will be much wider than you realized. In fact, you may even find some of them to be just different enough to capture your interest.

Since the goal is to choose a material that is durable, rest assured that every option provided to you will do just that. The representative will likely recommend the use of granite or marble, since they are among the most popular options. Bronze is another good option to consider, and can actually be used along with marble or granite if you like.

Some lesser-known choices that you should look at closely include wrought iron, sandstone, and limestone. Keep in mind that while each of these three options do require some special treatment in order to protect them from the elements, the look they provide may be just what you are looking for.

Considering the Shape of the Grave Marker

A good place to begin is with the shape of the marker. The trick is to identify shapes that will fit neatly into the cemetery, and also happen to be in line with your personal tastes. As you begin to look at different options, it will be easy to see that there is something that will work for just about everyone.

Perhaps you would like something that is very simple and in keeping with your more conservative personality. This could mean opting for a flat marker that is mounted directly onto the slab. Markers of this type usually have enough room for the name, birth and death dates, and a short quote.

For people who want to keep it simple but would prefer to not go with a flat marker, there is the option of going for what is sometimes called a pillow headstone. This is basically a rectangular shaped marker that is also mounted at the top of the slab. Granite is a popular option for this type of headstone, since it makes it very easy to engrave the material with all the basic information, plus a few extras. A pillow headstone can be rectangular in shape, include beveled edges, and even have a slanted surface is that is your preference.

There is also the option of going with upright Chicago grave markers. These are usually positioned at the head of the slab rather than resting on it directly. In terms of shape, they can sport rounded edges, be square or rectangular, or even be shaped into anything you like. For example, if the idea is to purchase a marker that will serve for you and a spouse, the upright marker could be in the form of two intertwined hearts.

Thinking About the Color Scheme

Once upon a time, grave markers were viewed as something that had to be somewhat plain in color in order to be considered respectful. While a nice gray colored stone is still appropriate, do not feel that you are limited to plain gray granite. There are plenty of other choices to consider.

What you may not realize is that you can opt for marble or granite headstones that are in other colors. You might like the sophisticated look of a jet-black marble headstone, since it reflects the way that you chose to live your life. Maybe you would find blue granite serves as a reminder of the fact that you always loved being out under the clear blue sky when the chance came along. Perhaps the idea of green granite or marble appeals to you, since you always loved the color anyway.

When talking with different companies that prepare Chicago grave markers, ask about different colors they have available. Knowing that you can go with anything from a nice pink to a deep black will allow you to have a little more fun with creating the perfect design for your headstone.

Embellishments to the Stone

With the materials, shape, and color selected, there is still the need to think about what sort of information you want included on the marker. While there is the option of sticking with the traditional, there is no reason that you cannot add something that further helps to remind future generations of a little about yourself. In fact, you really do want to think about adding something special to the stone, since it will have particular meaning to those who knew you personally.

Along with your name and the birth and death dates, think about adding some sort of quote that has meaning for you. Perhaps there is a passage from a book of scripture that helped you through some difficult times, or that sums up the way that you chose to live your life. Maybe a selection from a poem or a work by your favorite author would also be appropriate. Adding it to the headstone will certainly bring back fond memories for those who knew you well.

A quote is not your only option for embellishing the look of the marker. Someone who was known to have a talent for gardening may like the idea of having the stone engraved with a bouquet of flowers or staffs of wheat. If you were fond of playing a musical instrument for fun or as a career, an engraving of that instrument would certainly be something to consider. Any symbol that has a direct connection to you and your life has the potential to be the right element for that marker.

Keep in mind that you can also choose to have a photograph of yourself encased in clear resin and mounted on the marker. The resin will protect the photograph from fading or damage as the years pass. This will mean that your loved ones will be able to see the photograph whenever they visit the grave and remember you during a time of life when you were happy and healthy.

The Choice is Yours

Remember that the marker must ultimately be to your tastes. While working within any restrictions that the cemetery imposes, feel free to come up with a design that will satisfy your criteria for a monument. Once the decisions are made, make arrangements to pay for the marker and have it put in position. Doing so will allow you to know that once you are gone, the only thing that your loved ones have to do is arrange for the death date to be added.