Choosing the perfect gravestone design for a loved one is an important—and oftentimes difficult—decision. You may want one that accurately reflects your departed loved one’s personality and, at the same time, something that will last for generations to come.
To help you in making a decision, here’s an in-depth nine-step guide to selecting the perfect gravestone design and material for your departed loved one:
1. Familiarise Yourself With Gravestone Materials
The most commonly used gravestone materials include marble, granite, sandstone, and limestone. These stones can be used on their own or with other materials such as bronze and bronze patina.
- Granite: This durable stone is relatively easy to clean and maintain. It can also be carved into any shape you desire and has a natural beauty that will last for years. If you want something that is more modern-looking but still has a bit of an old-fashioned feel, granite may be an excellent choice for a gravestone design.
- Sandstone: It comes in various colours: white, black, red, and pink. Sandstone has been used as grave markers since ancient times. However, it was only recently that they became more widely available due to mass production techniques using machines rather than having workers carve each stone by hand.
- Marble: This beautiful material is a popular choice for gravestones. It is durable, long-lasting, and malleable, which means it can be carved into different shapes. When you work with suppliers like Marble Grave Stone Designs, you will surely have many options to choose from to make your loved one’s gravestone stand out.
- Limestone: It is another excellent option for gravestone material. Limestone has a smooth finish that looks great against the natural landscape surrounding the gravestone. Limestone can also be polished to give it a more elegant appearance.
Regardless of the gravestone material you select, there are a few other things to consider before making a decision.
2. Know The Different Types Of Gravestones
When searching for the perfect gravestone design, there are many options to choose from. Here are a few of the most common types of gravestones:
- Monument Style: This is the most common type of gravestone and can be found in various designs and styles. The design is usually straightforward, with a single name or phrase engraved.
- Stylised Grave Marker: These markers have a sculpted look that often includes an animal motif or a family symbol such as a bird or flower.
- Memorial Bench: This monument has a bench at its base and usually has a flat surface on top for engraving details such as name, birth date, year of death, and other information about the deceased person.
- Slab: This option is a flat slab of stone, usually smaller than a monument and may have decorative elements such as inscriptions or symbols etched on it. Slabs are often used in cemeteries and for outdoor memorials and grave markers.
- Raised Stone: This type of gravestone has a small portion protruding from the ground where it meets with another part buried below ground level. This makes it look like two stones connected at their bases, and their tops are separate.
- Pedestal Stone: This type of gravestone is often used for children or infants. The child’s name and birth date are usually engraved on the front, while other information, such as the time they died and their cause of death, may also be included.
- Brickyard Markers: These are more affordable than other gravestones because they don’t require much customisation. Still, they can be personalised like other types by adding photos or artwork and having different colours and designs.
When you know the different types of gravestones, you’ll be able to figure out which one would best fit your departed loved one’s personality.
3. Consider Adding Accessories
Most gravestones have one or more accessories attached to them—like a bench or flower pot—but you can also choose to have an addition built into the stone. You might want something like a bench on top of the grave marker, or maybe you have a garden with flowers in mind. Whatever your choice may be, it should fit with the rest of your design choices.
Keep in mind that there are two ways you can go about this: First, if you want something that will stay on top of the stone, then make sure it’s strong enough so that it won’t break easily; second, if you want something that gets buried alongside the stone (like an urn), then make sure it will last for years to come by choosing materials that won’t decay over time.
4. Determine The Cost Of The Gravestone Inscription
One of the most critical aspects of a gravestone is the inscription. It’s essential to find out how much it will cost before establishing the final design. This will help you determine whether or not it’s worth investing in a custom or stylised inscription.
When determining the cost, consider factors such as the size and complexity of the inscription, the number of lines needed, font, style, etc. You can ask around and get an estimate from different suppliers before making your final decision about where to purchase one.
5. Decide On The Inscription
The inscription on the gravestone should reflect the life of your loved one. The description is usually placed below the grave marker. You can choose from various inscriptions, including epitaphs, names, and dates. Some people use symbols or pictures to reflect their loved one’s personality or legacy.
When deciding on the inscription, you should remember that it’s something that will last for generations to come.
6. Find Out The Local Gravestone Regulations
When choosing a gravestone design, it’s essential to check out local regulations first to know what type of stone/design is allowed in certain areas. For example, some areas may only allow granite, while others may only allow marble.
It’s best to contact your local authorities before you go shopping for a gravestone. They should be able to explain the rules to you and provide guidance. They may even have information about different types of stones and their properties.
7. Look For A Gravestone Supplier
Another step in creating the perfect gravestone for your loved one is finding a supplier that carries everything you need. There may be several suppliers located around your local cemetery. When looking for a gravestone supplier, you must consider more than just price and availability. You must also look at their reputation, experience, and reviews.
Some suppliers may charge more than the others, but the quality of their work might be much better. It may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, but also consider if they deliver high-quality work.
8. Enquire About Installation Services
Another thing to consider when choosing the perfect gravestone is whether or not installation services are included in the price of the stone itself. Some suppliers offer this option, while others do not—primarily if they have limited manpower.
9. Consult Other Family Members
After considering these factors, it’s also wise to seek the opinion of other family members about the most suitable gravestone material and inscription for your departed loved one. They can provide you valuable suggestions, which can help you in making the right decision. If they have specific requests, it’s also wise to hear them out.
Key Takeaway
As you can see, there are quite a few elements to consider in choosing a gravestone for your loved one. However, with the proper research and planning, you’ll be able to create one that perfectly captures their personality, and at the same time, something that will be there for generations to come.
With this nine-step guide, you can make your loved one’s final resting place a fitting tribute to their life as you remember them with love and fondness.
