Decorations & Seasonal Tributes
Christmas Wreaths
Christmas wreaths may be ordered through The Catholic Cemeteries beginning in November and are placed at grave locations by The Catholic Cemeteries staff.
Decoration Policy
Decoration Policy & Visiting Etiquette
Updated 4/17/2024
The Catholic Cemeteries’ memorial site decoration policies are designed to consider everyone’s safety and visiting experience. We appreciate your help in keeping our cemeteries naturally beautiful. Thank you for respecting and following our rules during your visit.
It is not possible for cemetery employees to attend all areas of the cemeteries during normal cemetery hours. There are occasions where flowers and winter decorations have been stolen. The cemetery cannot assume any liability for anything placed on burial sites. We recommend that families take this into consideration when making their selection.
Use the toggle buttons below to view the decoration policy for each type of burial space.
Please note: no decorations are permitted on Natural Burial graves.
Mausoleum/ Columbarium
What is allowed?
- Vases purchased through The Catholic Cemeteries
- Artificial floral arrangements secured inside vases
- Emblems purchased through The Catholic Cemeteries
What is NOT allowed?
- Anything placed on the sidewalk/floor/ground in and around the area
- Fresh flowers
- Command strips and tape on any surface
- Floral arrangements (artificial only) in vases must not impede surrounding shutters
- Metal objects
- Glass or ceramic objects
- Anything requiring electricity
- Food or Seed
Flush (Flat Marker) Graves
What is allowed during Growing Season (March 1 – September 30)
- Fresh cut flowers only in cemetery approved vases (See “Exceptions to the Decoration Policy” below for a list of holidays where artificial flowers are permitted)
Note: Beginning October 1 – all flowers will be removed and all in-ground vases will be inverted. In-ground vases can be damaged during the winter if left upright.
What is allowed during Off-Season (November 15 – February 28)
- Natural evergreen wreaths
- Small non-lit Christmas/winter decorations (not to exceed 18″ tall)
The field staff will remove wilted or unsightly flowers and anything that does not comply with our Decoration Policy.
Monument Graves
The Catholic Cemeteries is not responsible for any damage decorations may cause to a memorial. Metal, adhesive, and various other items may cause a monument to chip, decay, or rust.
What is allowed?
- Fresh cut flowers or artificial flowers secured in the monument vases are allowed year-round.
- During the off-season: November 15 – February 28
- Natural evergreen wreaths
- Small non-lit Christmas/winter decorations (not to exceed 18″ tall)
The field staff will remove wilted or unsightly flowers, items that are not secured to the monument, and anything that does not comply with our Decoration Policy.
Exceptions to the Decoration Policy
On the following holidays, holiday decorations are permitted to be placed on gravesites 3 days prior to that holiday and will be removed as soon as 7 days after said holiday:
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Easter
- Mother’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Father’s Day
- Independence Day
- Halloween & Day of the Dead
- Thanksgiving
Decorations placed after a burial will be removed as soon as 3 days after an interment.
Items Never Permitted
Items never allowed in any area of the cemetery:
- Unattended food/beverages
- Glass/ceramic/metal containers or items
- Decorations or any items hanging from trees on the cemetery property
- Small stones/rocks or other items on memorials
- * These objects can damage equipment and cause injury.
The field staff will remove wilted flowers and anything that does not comply with our Decoration Policy.
When is seasonal clean-up?
Seasonal Clean-Up: Grounds & Buildings
Spring Clean-Up: Beginning March 1 all wreaths and Christmas/winter decorations will be removed.
Fall Clean-Up: Beginning October 1 all flowers will be removed and all in-ground vases will be inverted.
Visiting Etiquette
- Avoid funeral processions on the roads
- Avoid graveside services when visiting
- Only service animals are allowed on the cemetery grounds
- Please keep voices at a respectful volume
- Loud music and external speakers are not permitted
- Please do not park on the grass
The Catholic Cemeteries will not, under any circumstances, share your personal information with other individuals or organizations.