One of the important parts of planning the funeral of a passed loved one is deciding how they will be buried. From choosing the location to picking out a casket, there are so many significant decisions you need to make with close family members of the deceased. There are so many options now when it comes to decisions for your loved one. When you have decided on where they are going to be buried and chosen a specific burial plot, you might want to take the time to think about whether you might want a grave marker or a headstone for the grave.
These can help identify where your loved one is buried and allows you to write a few special words about them. You might want to also consider a grave cover for your loved one. This is impactful and can make it personal for them. Here is everything you need to know about what grave covers are and what they are used for, so that you can decide on whether it’s right for your loved one that has passed away.
What are grave covers?
A unique form of marking for a grave is known as a grave cover. It’s very unique because, unlike other headstones, this grave cover takes up most of the plot of the grave. It lays on top of the land and normally is the same size as the casket. It tends to be very eye-catching and is very visually impacting when people visit the graveside to pay their respects to the deceased. While it’s larger than other forms of grave markers, it still contains the same special message for the loved one.
You can engrave it with the name and wording of your choosing which either can go on the stone on the ground or in a headstone part which can be part of the grave cover. This can include the name, birth and date of death, a quote and in some cases a photo of the individual who has passed. They tend to be made out of stone or metal and are long-lasting on the grave of your loved one. These have grown in popularity for people’s loved ones who have been buried in a grave plot.
What are grave covers used for?
These grave covers are used for several reasons at the grave of a deceased. For one reason, they are used to show who is lying at the grave. It’s a significant way to show the name, birth and death of a person so that everyone knows whose grave exactly is and it can be found easily by friends and family members. It’s also ideal for those who want to pay their respects with flowers. When there is a grave cover, you can place the flowers on top of this to ensure you pay your respects while keeping the flowers in good condition.
These are particularly useful in poor weather as it stops them from freezing quickly when placed on just ground. As well as flowers, you can create wider displays such as photography and other decors to ensure the grave stands out. Also, they are long-lasting so the ground below will stand in good condition and this will stay as a permanent memorial to your loved one.
The cost of grave covers
The cost of grave covers varies depending on the type you go for. If you want a higher-quality option, you are looking at a higher price. If you want one which is going to be long-lasting and of large size, you are looking at a price of around $2000. But of course, if you start choosing specific design ideas and want a higher quality of the material they will cost more. So it depends on what you are looking for from the grave cover and the individual details. Grave blankets are an alternative option and only cost around $100, but they, unfortunately, don’t last as long and will need to be replaced yearly.
Why use grave covers?
Now we know what people use them for and how they use them, the question is why go for one? In some cases, they might do it due to cultural practice as in Midwest and Scandinavian culture, that was brought to the US, it’s seen as helping to keep the person who has died warm and protected.
But a lot of people get a grave cover due to the visual impact it provides for their family member who has passed. It helps the grave to stand out and will be a lovely memorial for them for family and friends to see when they pay their respects.
With the option to add design features such as a portrait of their loved one, it helps the grave to stand out and it makes it extra special as one of the final things you can do to remember the person who has passed. Putting their name and date of birth and death also ensures everyone remembers your loved one and will see their grave when they come to the graveyard.
What are the different types of grave covers?
While a grave cover is a common practice nowadays, here are a few other options people use for the grave.
Grave Ledgers
These are a slab which is normally made of stone and laid on top of a grave. It is normally engraved with writing and has more space than a normal cover. Therefore, there is plenty of space for different memorable quotes about your loved one or even a poem by a famous author. You can also incorporate different design features to help make the grave ledger more unique.
False tombs
In some areas such as New Orleans, it floods easily so the person tends to be buried in a tomb which is above ground. But if you would like a tomb for your loved one even if there isn’t an issue with the area, you could build a false tomb. This box which is normally made of stone or concrete sits on top of the grave and is more of a feature as the casket will remain in the ground.
Grave curb
A grave curb is another option and is a low border which normally is placed around the grave or plot. While it’s similar to a ledger, it is not normally engraved with any detailing and tends to be paired with a headstone.
