Memorial Products: Markers, Flowers, Keepsakes, and Jewelry

Beyond the core decisions of burial or cremation, many families consider smaller, personal products for remembrance.

Do we need a grave marker right away?

No - many cemeteries allow time (sometimes several months) before a permanent marker needs to be installed, partly because ground settling can affect placement. A temporary marker is often used in the meantime. (See our Cemeteries & Memorialization guides for more detail on choosing a permanent marker.)

Are flowers expected at a funeral?

They’re common but not required - some families request donations to a cause instead of flowers (“in lieu of flowers”), which is a completely acceptable and increasingly common alternative.

What is memorial jewelry, and what other keepsake options exist?

• Memorial jewelry designed to hold a small amount of cremated remains, a lock of hair, or a fingerprint impression - a way for family members to keep something tangible and personal
• Thumbprint charms, capturing an actual fingerprint in metal
• Keepsake urns, small versions meant for a portion of ashes rather than the full remains
• Memory books or photo albums, compiled for the family

Is any of this required?

No - none of these are necessary parts of honoring someone. They’re personal choices some families find meaningful and others skip entirely. There’s no right amount of “stuff” that reflects how much someone is loved or missed.

Availability and pricing for memorial products vary widely — compare options before committing, especially for higher-cost items like jewelry.