Grave Decoration with Gravel: Examples, Benefits, and Costs

Grave gravel is a stylish and simple method of cemetery decoration. Graves designed with cemetery gravel appear very clean and minimalist and are also very easy to maintain. However, there are a few things you should consider if you choose to use gravel stones for the grave.

Is Gravel Allowed on Graves?

Unfortunately, gravel on graves is prohibited in some cemeteries. Not all cemeteries permit grave gravel. Therefore, you should definitely check with the cemetery administration in advance whether gravel is allowed for grave decoration. We can also handle this for you.
If the grave is designed with gravel against cemetery regulations, the cemetery administration can enforce its removal.

What Kind of Gravel is Best for the Cemetery?

For cemetery decoration, white or light gravel is ideal. They give graves a particularly elegant appearance and allow the colors of placed plants to stand out. You should also choose gravel that is not too fine-grained. Coarser gravel tends to look more well-maintained.

What Are the Benefits of Grave Decoration with Gravel?

Decorating graves with gravel offers several benefits.

Low Maintenance: Graves designed with gravel are very low maintenance. You don’t need much watering or gardening, as only a few plants are usually placed between the gravel, or the grave is simply covered with a grave slab and gravel.

Easy to Work With: Gravel is easy to work with on graves. You just spread it evenly over the grave area for an immediately neat and elegant appearance. To prevent weed growth between the gravel, it's advisable to lay a plastic sheet underneath the gravel layer.

Cost-Effective: Gravel is relatively inexpensive to purchase. Future grave maintenance will also be cost-effective, as there is minimal upkeep required and no need for seasonal replanting.

Durable: By choosing gravel, you opt for a very durable material. Once placed on the grave, it will maintain a clean and well-kept look for many years.

Weed Inhibiting: Gravel also inhibits weed growth. By creating a dense ground layer, it prevents the emergence of unwanted weeds.

Versatile: Due to its various appearances, gravel offers versatile decoration possibilities. Depending on the gravel size and color, you can create beautiful accents.

Factors to Consider When Designing a Grave with Gravel

To create an elegant and stylish grave with gravel, you should keep the following points in mind:

• Place a liner beneath the gravel bed to prevent unwanted plants from growing through.
• Choose gravel that matches the headstone or grave marker and ensure that the monument's colors are harmonious.
• Determine the placement for vases and lamps before adding the gravel, possibly using a base or framing.
• Make selective use of plants—less is more when it comes to greenery.

Options for Grave Design

Although you might initially think gravel is a simple material with limited possibilities, this isn't the case.

For instance, you can design a small urn grave entirely with gravel and place a decorative bowl or a single vase on top.

You can also use gravel to cover the entire grave area. In this scenario, outlining the grave with larger stones or stone slabs can be a great idea. Such a grave design appears clear and harmonious, exuding a sense of tranquility.

Gravel can also serve as an elegant base for a grave marker.

Additionally, gravel can be spread among the plants, providing a beautiful contrast to the colors of the flowers and blossoms.

Gravel can also be used as a smaller accent in particular sections—covering only one half of the grave or just a central part.

Guide to Grave Design with Gravel

When planting a grave with gravel, you should follow these essential steps.

1. First, check with the cemetery administration to see if gravel is allowed.
2. Next, consider which type of gravel will best suit your grave design.
3. Now, thoroughly weed the gravesite.
4. On the cleaned soil surface, spread a sheet or distribute bark mulch to prevent weed regrowth.
5. Now, set the positions for the vase and the light, and place bases or frames for them.
6. Now, spread the gravel evenly.

Overall, designing a grave with decorative gravel requires little working time. Once the grave is adorned with decorative gravel, it becomes virtually maintenance-free.

Examples of Grave Design with Gravel

We would like to show you some images of beautiful grave designs with gravel. You will see that graves designed with gravel can look very different and unique, depending on how they are arranged.