June 24, 2021
Decorating a gravesite of a loved one is a part of personalizing their memorial and commemorating them. Friends and family tend to decorate their loved ones’ monument on the anniversary of the deceased person’s life, their birthday, or other special occasions.
People decorate the gravesites of their loved ones on these special occasions to express their grief. It provides families comfort and satisfaction knowing that their loved ones are not alone on their special days, and their grave has fresh flowers and other honoring tributes and decorations.
Many cemeteries across the country allow and even encourage friends and families to decorate their loved one’s memorial stones. However, some cemeteries have certain rules and limitations related to the type of decorations allowed. Therefore, we have created this grave decoration guide to let you know about the common do’s and don’ts of cemetery decoration. Continue reading to learn the basic protocol surrounding cemetery decor in Canada.
Abiding by the rules and regulations of cemeteries is important so that all families feel welcomed when visiting their loved one’s graves.
Here are some of the decorations that are allowed in most cemeteries.
Flowers: Fresh or artificial flowers are the most common decor found in most cemeteries. Especially if a vase is attached to the monument or the base, putting flowers in it can be a great way to decorate your loved one’s grave.
Before choosing your flowers, make sure to consider the season or your loved one’s preference. Keep in mind that caretakers will eventually remove the flowers, or they may ask you to remove them by a certain date. You can also put flower wreaths on certain special occasions.
Notes Or Photos: Leaving notes and old photos on the grave of a loved one is a time-honored tradition. It can help friends and family find closure. However, before leaving them at a headstone, make sure they are laminated or framed, so the rain or wind doesn’t ruin them.
Also, they should be secured to the headstones somehow, so they don’t interfere with the work of cemetery workers trying to maintain the grounds.
Crosses Or Solar Lights: Some cemeteries also allow crosses or solar lights to be put on a gravesite, especially if they fit in the vases attached to the graves.
It may be tempting to leave certain items on your loved one’s grave that meant something to them. But, while the object may be meaningful, it can become a problem for groundskeepers and may create hurdles in maintaining the cemetery. This is why some cemeteries don’t allow certain items to be left on gravesites. Some of these items include:
Fences Or Borders: Placing a decorated fence around your loved one’s grave may seem like a good way to respect their grave and make their plot special. However, it can create obstacles for groundskeepers to maintain the cemetery.
Glass Ornaments: In most cases, glass items are prohibited in cemeteries. This is because they can easily break and become scattered on the ground, causing injuries to the groundskeepers and other people visiting the cemetery. If you plan to leave behind candles or frames, make sure they are made of plastic.
Flags And Banners: Decorations, such as large flags, banners, or solar lights with their stands, can make it difficult for mowers to cut around. Moreover, they can get tattered if they’re left out in the wind and rain and become a headache for workers who now have to properly dispose of a damaged flag.
Stuffed Animals: Leaving stuffed animals on the graves of small children is a beautiful gesture, but because they can become dirty quickly, most cemeteries don’t allow them to be placed on gravesites. Therefore, always make sure to check with the cemetery’s rules and regulations before buying a stuffed toy for the grave of your loved one.
These are some of the items that should and should not be used to decorate a gravesite. Remember when decorating not to use anything that might be damaged by the weather (rain, wind, snow). Moreover, it’s always a good idea to check with the cemetery or your memorial company regarding any rules before placing anything on or around the grave of your loved one.
At Summit Memorials, we offer our clients high-quality headstones, monuments, and tombstones, at competitive prices. For more information, visit our website or contact us for personalized service.
