<p>Decorating a loved one's grave after a funeral can bring us a sense of closure and healing during difficult times. Here we share some unique ideas for how you can best decorate a loved one's grave.<br /><br /> <strong>Decorating a Gravesite</strong><br /> If you have just recently lost someone important in your life, then it&rsquo;s safe to assume that you aren&rsquo;t spending much time thinking up ideas for how to decorate their gravesite. However, it is worth noting that once the funeral of your loved one has passed and life resumes to normal, you may feel at a loss for how to move forward in a healthy way. For many people, decorating a loved one&rsquo;s gravesite offers peace and healing, which are essential when combating the difficult emotions brought on by grief. Our funeral homes in Isle of Wight County, VA are experts in helping families navigate through these difficult moments in their lives. <br /><br /> <strong>Ideas for Decorating a Gravesite</strong><br /><br /> <em>Learn the Cemetery&rsquo;s Policies</em><br /> Before you go to your loved one&rsquo;s grave to decorate, be sure to check on the cemetery&rsquo;s policies regarding decorations. While some cemeteries allow any and all decorations, others are stricter, with some even prohibiting decorations altogether. It is not uncommon for some cemeteries to allow decorations only for a short period of time before they must be cleaned up. If you are someone who enjoys decorating, then be sure to inquire about any and all policies prior to choosing that cemetery as the final resting place for your loved one. <br /><br /> <em>Flowers</em><br /> When decorating your loved one&rsquo;s grave, we recommend adorning the site with some beautiful flowers. Some people prefer artificial flowers as they look stunning and last a longer time than real flowers. If you are someone who loves plants and the look of real flowers, then feel free to decorate with real ones! This decision is really up to you, but be sure to check in with the cemetery to see if they have any policies against artificial flowers. <br /><br /> <em>Personalized Tributes</em><br /> If you find peace and healing in personalized items and tributes, then this option will be great for you! Whether you prefer handwritten notes, photographs, flags, or anything else, personalizing the gravesite of your loved one will not only allow you to feel closer to them, but it can also shed a little light on the impact of their life for all who pass by the site. <br /><br /> <em>Maintain the Site Regularly</em><br /> If you want to keep your loved one&rsquo;s gravesite in tip-top condition, then we recommend visiting the grave often. Oftentimes, life can get in the way and families can grow neglectful of a site in need of some TLC. If you had previously placed flowers at the site, be sure to refresh and replace them as needed with regular visits. If you find that there are weeds or overgrown grass around the gravesite, feel free to pull the weeds yourself and trim the grass. <br /><br /> <em>Research Ideas</em><br /> If you want more creative ideas for the gravesite, you should absolutely use the internet as a tool for ideas! Sites like Pinterest are brimming with fresh and innovative ideas every day, so stay updated! <br /><br /> Our funeral homes in Isle of Wight County, VA wants you and your family to get through this challenging time seamlessly. Contact us today for more information! <br /><br /> <strong>FAQ About Decorating a Grave</strong><br /><br /> <strong>What is a grave blanket?</strong><br /> A grave blanket is an evergreen arrangement that covers the ground above a grave. Grave blankets are usually placed atop gravesites before the first snow. They may also be placed around Thanksgiving or Christmas when the foliage is gone and the trees are bare for the winter &mdash; it can brighten up the barren landscape. <br /><br /> <strong>What does leaving a coin on a grave mean?</strong><br /> Have you ever been in a cemetery and saw coins laying on a headstone? A coin left on a headstone lets the deceased soldier's family know that somebody stopped by to pay their respect. A penny means you visited. A nickel means you and the deceased veteran trained at boot camp together. <br /><br /> <strong>What does leaving a stone on a grave mean?</strong><br /> These stones remind them that someone they care for was visited, mourned for, respected, supported and honored by the presence of others who've visited their memorial. The Hebrew word for pebble is also a word that means &ldquo;bond.&rdquo; By placing a stone on the headstone, it bonds the deceased with the visitors.</p>