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What to Put on a Grave

Solar Lights, Flags and Wind Chimes on a Grave: What Cemeteries Allow

Solar lights, flags, wind chimes and statues are popular at graves and often against the rules. What most cemeteries allow, what they remove, and why.

By Fern2 min read

Beyond flowers, families often want to leave something that lasts: a solar light that glows at night, a small flag, a wind chime, a figurine. These can mean a great deal to the family, and they are also the items cemeteries most often remove. It helps to know why before you buy.

Solar lights

Solar lights are popular because they keep a grave lit after dark. Many cemeteries restrict them anyway: stakes get hit by mowers, glass and plastic shatter, and lights can bother neighbors. Some cemeteries ban them outright, some allow them only if they sit in the headstone vase, and some allow them during the holidays only. Arlington National Cemetery, for example, does not allow vigil lights.

Flags

Small American flags are widely accepted on veterans' graves around Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July and Veterans Day. Many cemeteries place them themselves or let veterans' groups do it. The rules vary year-round: some cemeteries remove flags after the holiday, and Arlington does not allow visitors to leave flags at all. Our guide to flowers at a veteran's grave covers national cemeteries.

Wind chimes

Wind chimes are often banned, mainly because of noise. A chime that comforts one family can disturb the families visiting graves nearby. If they are allowed, they usually have to hang from a stand the cemetery approves.

Statues, figurines and photos

Small statues and framed photos are among the first things removed in a clean-up. Breakable materials such as glass and ceramic are banned almost everywhere because they shatter under mowers. If an item matters to you, take it home after your visit rather than leaving it.

What almost always stays

  • Flowers in the headstone vase or in a saddle on the headstone.
  • Arrangements on a ground stake where the cemetery allows them.
  • A small stone or coin on top of the headstone.

Our guide to what to put on a grave instead of flowers has more ideas that cemeteries generally allow.

BloomBridge Runners follow each cemetery's posted rules, so the arrangement you choose is placed where it is allowed and stays. See the arrangements.

How to check before you buy

Look for the rules sign at the cemetery entrance, check the cemetery's website, or call the office and ask: "Which decorations are allowed besides flowers, and when do you clear them?"

Topics What to Put on a Grave Cemetery rules Grave decorations Flags Solar lights

Placed at the grave by a local Runner

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Frequently asked questions

It depends on the cemetery. Many restrict or ban them; some allow them only in the headstone vase or only during the holidays. Check the posted rules.

Small flags are widely accepted on veterans graves around patriotic holidays. Some cemeteries remove them afterward, and Arlington National Cemetery does not allow them.

Mostly for mowing and safety: items in the grass get hit by mowers, and glass or ceramic shatters. Many cemeteries also hold scheduled clean-ups.