The gravestone is also known as a tombstone. Like the grave marker, the monument is not obligatory; it must be remembered. It is an ornamental element for the burial and is placed once the burial has been carried out. In the case of a cinerary grave (e.g., columbarium or cavern), we speak of a tombstone that fulfills the same role but is smaller.
It is possible to add different elements, such as :
A prie-Dieu or base which facilitates meditation;
A stele: this is a stone placed vertically and which is intended to receive the engravings (the identity of the deceased, dates of birth and death).
A monument cannot be placed immediately after burial; it must be placed at least two months after the funeral. The earth must be well compacted, and then it is essential to put a pavement or a footing, the concrete slab that closes the grave.
The burial is composed as follows: A tombstone 2 to 3 mm thick when closing a columbarium hut or a burial ground or to cover a cinerary grave. A monument at least 5 mm thick for a two m² burial.
A small funerary plaque is placed on the part of the funerary monument.
If the tombstone can be significant, it is mainly in the context of family recollection, but it also symbolizes the deceased’s memory.
It must be excellent, watertight, and aesthetic, as it will remain throughout the concession contract, which may be for life. It must also be fairly simple to maintain and, above all, reflect the image of the deceased to some extent.
To choose it well, you need to know how it can be presented, understand its nature, and understand how it can be made and decorated. It is also necessary to identify the responsibility of each person in its maintenance.