Showing posts with label Choosing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Choosing. Show all posts

Friday, November 30, 2012

Guidelines For Choosing A Headstone

When visiting any stonemasons with regards to purchasing a headstone for a loved one's grave they should be able to talk you through the restrictions and guidelines that apply for the area you wish it to be placed in. However these can change and it is always worth having an idea of the basic guidelines before going to purchase the stone so you know what to expect.

One of the most important steps is to gain permission to have the headstone erected by submitting an application form. This is not something you need to worry about as your stonemasons should take care of this for you, but it is worth mentioning to them just to clarify they will do this.

Over the years the regulations adhered to for memorials has changed, meaning what was permitted 50 years ago may no longer be deemed as suitable now, so don't assume that if the graveyard features a headstone you like it will definitely be allowed now. This is especially true of large memorials. Guidelines state now that a memorial must conform to a certain size which is 107cm tall, 76 cm wide and 102mm in thickness. The stonemasons you choose will be able to inform you of the types of stone that can be used as these must be selected from an approved list, it is also worth asking them about the durability of each type of stone.

Another aspect to consider is the difference between being buried in a churchyard and a cemetery. If being buried in a churchyard it is usual for the headstone to be sympathetic to the church and you have to gain the church's permission to erect a headstone. It is also a requirement that inscriptions are compatible with the christian religion. There are more regulations affecting headstones placed in churchyards, such as the fact they cannot be made from a polished or shiny stone as they must be non-reflective. It is also worth noting that ceramic photo plaques are not permitted on headstones in churchyards, so if this is a particular feature you would like on the headstone then you may wish to consider a cemetery burial. Some of the above regulations still apply within a cemetery however the rules tend to be much more relaxed allowing you to express yourself more with the headstone you choose with regards to size, design and the type of stone used.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Choosing An Urn For A Loved Ones Ashes

When someone that you have been close to for your entire life passes away it can be devastating. While you are trying to deal with the grief, you may also be tasked with taking care of their funeral arrangements which may be one of the most difficult task we ever have to face. If your loved one has expressed a desire to be cremated, then you will have to decide what to do with the remains. Some families prefer to scatter the ashes in a special location or in a garden of remembrance, but others prefer to buy a keepsake urn to keep them in.

Choices As Unique As The Individual

Everyone has different personalities and different tastes, there is no 'one size fits all'. You would expect to choose clothing and home décor that fits your own style, so why should the final resting place be any different. When choosing an urn for a loved ones ashes, it is essential that you consider what best reflects the person that they were. You will find a huge variety of styles and colors to choose from, not to mention different materials. Think about the person's sense of style. If they were an outdoors type, then you might prefer a beautiful urn carved from wood, but if they were more of a contemporary person then a metallic design might seem more appropriate.

Choosing An Appropriate Size Of Urn

One of the most common questions regarding urns is what size they should be. The standard recommendation is for 1 cubic inch for every 1 pound of body weight. A standard cremation urn is around 200 cubic inches. However, you can purchase larger or smaller ones as required. It is common sense that an adult will need a larger urn than a child or a pet. There may also be situations where several family members would like a portion of the ashes, in which case smaller ' partial' urns are available. These can sometimes be known as keepsake urns. It is also common for couples to wish to be 'buried' together. This also applies in the case of cremation. If this is the case, then you will need a companion urn which is large enough to hold the remains of both people.

Burying Your Urn

There are a growing number of people who have expressed a wish to be cremated, but have indicated that the remains are to be buried. If you wish to bury an urn then it is best to choose one which is not going to affect the environment. There are plenty of biodegradable options available to you if urn burial is something that interests you.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Choosing A Material For Your Monument

When a loved one has passed away, you want to ensure that the monument you design for their final resting place embodies who they were in life and remembers them in death. An important aspect of designing a monument for your loved one is the material that it is made out of. There are actually a few different materials that you can choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. We have put together this guide to give you a little more information on each.

    Granite: This is one of the most popular materials for use in the creation of monuments, most likely because it is able to achieve an elegant and classic appearance. One thing that you must keep in mind when choosing granite, however, is that it can be a little on the expensive side. Even so, the price is well worth it because the monument will be extremely strong and possess a beauty that is long lasting. It is also available in a variety of colours, allowing you to pick accordingly.

    Marble: Another very popular material for use in monuments, marble is actually quite similar to granite in that it is often chosen because of its elegant appearance. It can also prove to be quite expensive, although its price will all depend on the colour chosen (like granite, marble is available in a few different hues); in some ways, it can be the more affordable option. This stone is very strong and will not easily succumb to the effects of weathering.

    Bronze: This is also an extremely popular material for the creation of monuments today. It can be used in conjunction with either granite or marble, forming more of a plaque, or it can be used by itself. As bronze is relatively heavy, it is an extremely durable metal that will be able to easily withstand the effects of weathering. Many people find that the use of bronze can actually make the monument appear more artistic, which is great when you consider that it is very affordable.

When designing a monument for a loved one who has passed away, the first thing you should do is a set a budget of how much you can afford to spend and the second thing you should do is choose a material that fits into this budget accordingly. Whilst you might love the sleek and elegant look of marble, if this stone isn't really in your budget you will have to choose something more affordable, like bronze. Not matter what material you choose, the monument will be a stunning reminder.