Consumers now have an innovative and very low cost way to commemorate their loved ones. Advances in color printing technology have made it possible to incorporate clear, full-color images of the recently deceased on the headstone. While these options are perfect for a visually oriented generation, people should be aware that there are some drawbacks to using these materials.
One of the main reasons for incorporating photos into a headstone design is the fact that they help further personalize the graves. There is often a natural feeling of losing touch or forgetting the deceased as time passes. When people visit the cemetery, they can have a very strong visual memory of the deceased, especially if the perfect image is chosen.
The process of creating these accessories is really very complex. The gravestone image is burned into the ceramic in several steps, ensuring its permanence. As a result, these may not wear out completely over the years, however this does not always guarantee that they will not fade due to exposure to the elements. Thus, the glowing picture one person invests in may look markedly different than it does several decades down the line.
These are actually perfect for families who have chosen to use cremation and columbaria as their method of burial. This is when the deceased is cremated and then the remains are placed in a drawer-like enclave on a special wall in the cemetery. Each niche is usually allotted ample space for a closet, however there are often specific regulations on how markers are designed for these spaces.
Since columbarium niches are relatively small compared to traditional tombs used for the burial of uncremated persons, signs placed in these niches should also be small. People may choose to use a few words and then use the ceramic layer as a means of identification and remembrance. In addition to photos, these can be inscribed with words, so that the entire effect is perfectly coordinated and aesthetically pleasing.
Another benefit of using color photo ceramic overlays instead of traditional headstone markers is that these options may be suitable for spaces that do not allow enough space for more conventional headstone markers. Also, these tend to be affordable even when embellished. So whether you’re limited in your selection of headstones due to budget or space, ceramic memorial photographs tend to have more benefits than drawbacks.