Designing a headstone for a loved one can seem like an overwhelming task. There are so many things to consider as this is such a personal and lasting memorial. With all the details to consider, below is a list of some tips for designing a headstone that will be a memorial to your loved one.
Choose the Material
One of the first things to consider is what material you would like to use. There are quite a few options such as granite, marble, sandstone, fieldstone, and limestone. Granite is the most common choice because of its cost and durability. However, these are all durable materials that can withstand weather elements and last for decades.
Think About the Shape
Another thing to consider is the shape of the headstone. There are many options ranging from a traditional square to being shaped like an image. Clearly, the most cost-effective headstone is going to be a more traditional shape such as a square or oval. The more detail included in the shape, the higher the cost. However, if cost isn’t a concern, creating a unique shape that represents something they loved in life is always a nice way to remember your loved one.
Factor in the Color
Choosing the color of a headstone can be a very meaningful way to honor your loved one. A lot of headstones consist of traditional colors such as black, gray, or brown, but there are many other options. Think of your loved one’s favorite color and check with your consultant to see if that color is available for the material you’ve chosen for the headstone. Adding your loved one’s character to their headstone is a great way to honor and remember them.
Research the Wording
Words can be a very powerful way to show how loved a person was or to show the type of person they were. Consider having an inscription on their headstone to share their favorite quote, scripture, story, or even a joke that they said to make people happy. Even just a simple statement from your heart that shows your love for them. This is a great way for people to have a glimpse of the person they were. Inscriptions are also where you would write the name of the deceased along with their date of birth and date of death.
Add an Image
Finally, adding an image on the headstone is a nice way to share who they were or what they loved. An image can either be laser etched into the headstone or an actual picture can be made into a porcelain insert. Both are very durable and are a great way to share your loved one with those who go to honor and remember them. The image can be of the loved one or things they loved such as a family photo, family pet, or hobby that they enjoyed.
These are just a few things to consider along with ways to help create a headstone that memorializes your loved one and shares who they were.
Published by: Khy Talara
