When a loved one dies and had made it known in life that he or she wanted to be buried, their final resting place is usually marked by a headstone. Unfortunately, most people do not have much experience purchasing a headstone, so buying one for a loved one's grave can be confusing. If you need to buy a headstone, use the following tips:

Look at All of Your Options

Most funeral homes sell headstones, but they are not the only place where you can buy one. In this day and age, there are numerous online headstone retailers, like from a company such as Pemi-Baker Memorials. It is never a good idea to purchase a headstone in a hasty manner-- it is much better to take your time so you can find the perfect one that fits your budget as well as the wishes of the deceased. Look at the headstones offered by the funeral home, and then compare their offerings to what you can find online.

Choose the Material

Headstones are available in a variety of materials, such as concrete, limestone, sandstone, granite, marble, iron, or bronze. The type of material you choose for a headstone will depend on how much money you have to spend as well as the climate where the cemetery is located. Generally, people tend to buy headstones made of granite or bronze. Granite headstones have a beautiful appearance and are very durable. Bronze is a very popular choice as well, since bronze headstones are easy to maintain and do not become damaged by harsh weather.

Cemetery Regulations

Prior to paying for a headstone, it is essential to contact the cemetery to find out their rules and regulations regarding headstones. Every cemetery has their own rules about the size, material, and color of headstones-- there are no universal guidelines. The last thing you want to do is order a headstone and have it engraved only to learn that it does not meet the regulations of the cemetery where your loved on is buried.

Installation

In most cases, cemeteries offer installation services for headstones for a fee. In the event that the cemetery where your loved one is buried does not offer installation services, you can hire a monument installer to place the headstone on the grave. Contact the funeral home that you are working with-- most funeral homes can provide customers with contact information for local monument installers. After the headstone is installed, you may be able to make arrangements to have the cemetery maintain it on a regular basis.