Councillors have overturned a 2001 regulation to include a standard brass plaque, fixed to the beam, of each plot in the lawn cemetery.

Council staff are yet to prepare a paper on the dimensions of memorials that will be allowed, and how they can to be fixed to the existing beams designed for the plaques, but councillors have resolved that the option be made available.

The discussion, at the late October council meeting, was a personal one for everyone.

Mayor Phyllis Miller said her family had chosen not to lay their son to rest in the lawn cemetery because they couldn't have a headstone.

Cr Graeme Miller said he would have loved to have placed a headstone for his parents, who are in the lawn cemetery.

"I know I've fielded questions in the community from people that they would like to have more of a monumental look on those beams where those family members are laid to rest," Cr Michele Herbert said.

"Nothing too ornate, but more personal."

The report to the council meeting explains the Forbes Cemetery Management Plan was adopted in 2001, and the decision at the time was that brass plaques be included with each plot and installed by council's designated officer.

It would ensure that council retain management of the timing and placement of the plaques, as well as the type of plaque.

"The plaques are a more affordable alternative to granite or sandstone memorials, as are placed in the monumental sections of the cemetery," the report says.

"Plaques can be standard, which is paid for at the time of arranging burial, or as elaborate as the family wishes, including photos, 3D images, graphics etc. with the supplier of the product providing an extensive range of high quality cast bronze plaques."

The option has reduced the number of unmarked graves in this section of the cemetery.

The council report explained the existing beams were designed for the plaques alone, and suggested designing the next section to cater for headstones.

But councillors argued that other cemeteries allowed for monumental headstones in their lawn portion, and so should Forbes.

Not only going forward, but retrospectively if they wished.

"I am ready to make a change," Mayor Miller said.

"(This regulation is) it's 20 years old. It's now time that we were trying to compassionately change things.

"Let's get some direction on size but let whoever wants to put a headstone on now, put one on."

Council staff advised headstones should not interfere with maintenance of the area, but that they would need to seek professional advice on placing the headstones.

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