A headstone is permanent, so why a temporary one? What function does it serve? Are there different styles or options? How long will it stay in place?
The Importance of Temporary Headstones
Imagine you’re returning home after a trip of several weeks. While you’re away, you learn that your second cousin, Ellen, has unexpectedly passed away.
Since you can’t attend the funeral, you decide to visit her grave to say goodbye. After all, Ellen was a kind and admirable person whom you always admired.
Knowing it will be difficult to find her final resting place in the city’s largest cemetery, you go to the memorial park office to get a map.
You follow the signs, drive to the designated area, and step outside to enjoy the fresh air. As you walk through the area, you come across several newer cemeteries: none have a headstone, no markers guide the way, and Ellen’s grave is nowhere to be found. This is where a temporary memorial makes all the difference.
What is a temporary headstone?
If you’ve never seen a temporary headstone before, you might not know what to expect. These temporary headstones are small signs, plaques, or metal plates placed on the grave shortly after the burial and contain the deceased’s name, date of birth, and date of death.
They are usually simple and unobtrusive, but can also contain information such as the location of the grave, the burial date, or a few kind words.
Many cemeteries offer free temporary headstones so that family, friends, and cemetery staff can easily find the grave in the days and weeks following the burial.
Additional Benefits: More Than Just a Marker
A temporary headstone offers more benefits than just marking the grave.
It allows time for careful planning.
Choosing a permanent headstone is a very personal decision. Often, several family members are involved, and nothing should be rushed. A temporary headstone gives families the time to carefully design and personalize a permanent memorial.
Ease Grief and Remembrance
Visiting the deceased’s final resting place can provide comfort to those left behind and foster a sense of connection. In the time between the burial and the installation of permanent headstones, a temporary headstone provides a special space for remembrance and reflection.
While neither a replacement nor a long-term solution, a temporary headstone serves as an important reference point during the early stages of grief and provides reassurance that a loved one’s grave will be honored and respectfully marked during this transitional period.
There are times when the immediate installation of a permanent headstone is not possible. Weather conditions, soil instability, or scheduling delays can delay the installation process.
Without a temporary headstone, finding a burial plot can be challenging for cemetery caretakers, who rely on clearly visible markers for the proper care and maintenance of each grave.
In the case of large family graves or multiple burials at a common site, temporary headstones are also essential to accurately locate the final headstone, if circumstances permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s discuss some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Can temporary headstones be personalized?
While simple temporary headstones typically only display the deceased’s name and dates, some options allow for customization.
Trigard Memorials, for example, offers oversized temporary headstones that perfectly capture the character of a bronze grave.
Families can add decorative borders, emblems, or short sayings to create a memorial as unique as the person they remember. Even a colorful portrait medallion can be added for a truly one-of-a-kind memorial.
Using an online design tool, families can easily design and order a personalized headstone that can be installed within days of the funeral.
How long do temporary headstones last?
Their lifespan can vary greatly. Some are designed to last only a few weeks, while others can withstand the elements for several months or longer. Durability depends on several key factors, such as the type of material used, the material used, and the type of wood used. The quality of the headstone depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the material, exposure to the elements, and the rules and regulations of the particular cemetery. In most cemeteries, temporary headstones are removed after a certain period of time, regardless of whether a permanent headstone has been ordered, to ensure uniformity and an attractive appearance.
Can I keep the temporary headstone as a keepsake?
Yes, families often keep the temporary headstone as a keepsake, especially if it contains a photo or personal information. Once in place, the permanent headstone becomes a tangible reminder of a loved one’s final resting place.
Some place it at home, while others keep it in a special place where they can return when they want to feel close to their loved one.
Those who wish to keep the headstone should always inform the cemetery staff beforehand. Otherwise, it may be removed and disposed of as part of routine maintenance.
Parting Thoughts
While traditional headstones may not be as permanent as a solid bronze monument or the artistry of a custom-engraved plaque, they serve an important function: They clearly mark the final resting place of a loved one and provide visitors with a place to pay their respects.
I hope I’ve helped you look beyond the functionality of a temporary headstone and recognize that these are important memorials that carry the emotional burden of grief, transition, and the ever-evolving nature of memory.
