Gravesite Markers and Memorials

The placement of a gravesite marker or headstone is often the last task to be taken care of following a death.  For the following reasons, the placement of a headstone should be carefully timed:

Religion and Culture
Some religions specify when a headstone or gravesite marker should be erected.  Judaism, for instance, suggests that a memorial be placed a year following death.  Some Hispanic cultures unveil the marker only after a Catholic priest has attended the memorial service.  Research the religious and cultural background of the deceased to determine when to place the gravesite marker.

Cemetery Restrictions
To allow for the natural settling of sediment following burial, many cemeteries require the passage of a certain amount of time before the placement of a gravesite marker or headstone. Flat gravesite markers that are flush to the earth are not as affected by such settlement as vertical headstones, but you should still check with the cemetery managers to assure that they are taking the correct steps to prevent the marker or headstone from sinking into the earth.