Family Burial Monument Options

Dwkaminski, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to burial monuments for family plots, there are a few options to consider. Mausoleums and upright monuments are the two most common choices; however, lawn level, bevel, and even slanted markers have enough room to memorialize two people. When considering options for family monuments, it is best to start by knowing how many people will be memorialized, now and into the future. Burial practices vary by religion, if yours has special requirements that could help to make the decision easier. If pre-planning, consider enlisting the help of others who will be laid to rest there one day.

Family Mausoleums

Mausoleums have been around for thousands of years, dating all the way back to Ancient Egyptian times, when Egyptians buried their family members in pyramids, a mausoleum of their time. Originally, this practice was only for leaders or person of great importance. Which was fitting, because the word mausoleum comes from King Mausolus, the ruler of Caria in Southwestern Asia Minor. When he died a mausoleum was built for him and it is now the Fifth Wonder of the World.
One of the number one reason’s that families choose a mausoleum as their family monument, is privacy. A walk-in mausoleum comes with an entry room that can be custom designed to the families choosing. This room creates a private oasis for family to visit. Adding an altar is another way to personalize the space, visiting relatives can pray or worship in private and be shielded from the elements.
A family mausoleum can be constructed to accommodate anywhere from two to sixteen people, making them a practical and cost-efficient option for some. Prices can vary depending on size, materials, and the chosen design. If you do decide to go with a family mausoleum, be sure to check with your preferred cemetery with regards to their rules and regulations for mausoleums before starting the design process.

Double headstones

Upright headstones are another common choice for family monuments, as they provide ample amount of room for engraving. Capable of memorializing up to 4 loved ones, a common design choice is to have the family name engraved on the back. Family monuments can be personalized just like an individual, adding statues, vases, or a bench can help to make it more special. If your family is comprised of two people and an upright monument is too large, there are smaller options available. Other raised monuments to consider that still have room to memorialize two people are slanted and bevel.
In some instances, people will purchase an entire lot at the cemetery, for the entire family to be together for all eternity. If this sounds like a good idea for your family, there are many ways the plot can be laid out. A popular option within the plot is to have an upright monument for the parents to share, bearing the family name on the back, other family members to be buried there can have a smaller marker such as lawn level (flat), bevel, or a slant. These markers are typically laid out in front of the parents, similar to a family tree.

Remember to make the first call to your cemetery of choice and ask about their rules for family mausoleums and other family burial monuments, before contacting your local monument builder. One should also bear in mind that selecting a memorial for your family can be challenging, as some may not always be able to agree on everything; however, it is best to include your loved ones in the decision-making process. As always, the wonderful staff here at Columbia Gardens Memorials is available to answer any question you may have, and can assist you in designing and crafting the perfect memorial for your family. Available by phone 703-527-7774 or email todd@cgmemorials.com. We are located in Arlington and serve the greater Washington D.C. area with expertly crafted monuments, memorials, and more.