What is a gravestone saddle?
In general, the term is used to describe flower arrangements that sit on top of an upright headstone. To save confusion between the two, we typically refer to the metal frame as the saddle, and the whole arrangement as a headstone saddle arrangement.
How does a headstone saddle work?
Headstone saddles are designed to clamp on the the top of the stone and hold your arrangement in place, but it really doesn’t take much wind to blow it away. The metal arms of the saddle aren’t strong enough to make that tight of a clamp hold.
What can I put on a grave instead of flowers?
Although it depends on the cemetery, these are usually acceptable grave decorations:
- Fresh flowers.
- Fake flowers — especially if in a monument vase.
- Wreaths.
- Small flags during the holidays.
- Wind chimes, crosses, or bird feeders — especially if in a monument vase.
- Grave blankets.
How do you keep a cemetery flower from fading?
Spray with a couple coats of WD-40 to help repel water from rain and sprinklers, and to protect silk flowers’ colors from fading due to sunlight. After spraying with WD-40, the silk flowers or greenery will stay beautiful and vibrant for a longer period of time while placed near your loved one’s grave.
How do you keep a cemetery from blowing away?
Use a styrofoam filler Using a styrofoam filler in the bottom of a vase is one of the most popular options to secure flowers and prevent them from blowing away. Similar to the way many fancy floral bouquets work, a styrofoam piece is molded to the exact shape of the bottom half of the vase.
What is a saddle anchor?
Available in galvanized steel, aluminum and stainless steel, the saddle anchor is easily installed by bridging the saddle plate across two bearing bars and attaching it with a TEK Screw or 1/4″ bolt and nut when hole is drilled through supporting flange.
What does leaving a coin on a grave mean?
A coin left on a headstone lets the deceased soldier’s family know that somebody stopped by to pay their respects. If you leave a penny, it means you visited. A nickel means that you and the deceased soldier trained at boot camp together. If you served with the soldier, you leave a dime.
Is it disrespectful to walk on a grave?
Touching monuments or headstones is extremely disrespectful and in some cases, may cause damage. For example, some older memorials might be in disrepair and could fall apart under the slightest touch. Be sure to walk in between the headstones, and don’t stand on top of a burial place. Be respectful of other mourners.