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 embed 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 downsides to using these materials.

One of the main reasons for incorporating photos into a tombstone design is the fact that they help to further personalize graves. There is often the natural feeling of losing contact with the deceased or forgetting them as time goes on. When people visit the cemetery, they can have a very strong visual reminder of the deceased, especially if the perfect image is chosen.

The process of creating these accessories is really very complex. The image of the tombstone is burned into the ceramic in several steps, ensuring permanence. As a result, these are not likely to completely disappear over the years, however this does not always guarantee that they will not fade due to exposure to the elements. Therefore, the bright picture that a person invests in can look markedly different from the one shown several decades later.

These are really perfect for families who have chosen to use cremation and columbariums as a burial method. This is when the deceased is cremated and the remains are then placed in a drawer-like enclave in a special cemetery wall. Usually each niche has ample space for a poster, however there are often specific regulations on how markers are designed for these spaces.

Since columbarium niches are relatively small compared to traditional graves that are used for the burial of people who have not been cremated, the posters that are placed in these niches should also be small. People may choose to use a few words and then use the ceramic overlay as a means of both identification and remembrance. In addition to photos, these can be inscribed with words, so that the whole effect is perfectly coordinated and aesthetically pleasing.

Another benefit of using color photo ceramic overlays instead of traditional tombstone markers is that these options may be suitable for spaces that don’t allow enough room for more conventional tombstone markers. Also, these tend to be affordable even when embellished. So whether you’re limited in your selection of grave markers due to budget or space, ceramic memorial photos tend to have more benefits than drawbacks.