Choosing A Headstone For Cremation: Four Options To Consider

When choosing cremation for a loved one, you may be concerned about still giving your relative a final resting place others can visit. You can still use a plot in a cemetery for this purpose, whether you choose to inter the cremains or simply put up a headstone in remembrance. When selecting a headstone, there are several options to choose from. Use this guide to select the right headstone for your loved one.

Cremation Monuments Cremation monuments have compartments inside to store cremains. They are sometimes taller memorials than typical headstones, and they come in a variety of styles to choose from. If only one family member has selected cremation, you can use a single-person monument. For couples or families who have chosen cremation, you can select a family monument with multiple compartments for urns.

Traditional Headstones If you are planning to inter the cremains in the ground, or if you are simply placing a marker in the family plot for your loved one, you can select a traditional headstone. This gives you the freedom to select a headstone that matches the rest of the markers in your family plot, or you can opt for something unique to honor the memory of your loved one.

Columbariums Columbariums are typically buildings or structures that hold funeral urns. They function similarly to a mausoleum, giving you a place to inter your loved one's cremains while also giving you a place to visit when you want to pay your respects. In some cemeteries, a columbarium may be a simple free-standing structure that resembles a large headstone. The cemetery may also have memorial benches placed around the columbarium for family members. You can have your loved one's name etched on the front of his or her urn compartment for a personalized touch.

Cremation Benches Cremation benches offer a unique alternative to traditional headstones while still giving you a way to honor your loved one. They can be designed to hold multiple cremation urns or just one urn, depending on the needs of your family. You may want to make arrangements with the cemetery to place the bench in front of or near the rest of your family's plot so it can be used as a place to rest when paying respects to the entire family. Discuss the different options with the rest of your family before choosing a headstone for your loved one, and look for the headstone that gives everyone in your family the most comfort.

For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://www.hartmanmem.com/.