How to select the perfect headstone

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When you need to choose a headstone it is often difficult to know what choices you should make or even where to start looking for ideas. At a time of loss, you don't want to spend hours searching for information, and you really don't have to do that. There are only three things that you need to consider to achieve the perfect headstone for your loved one.

You must consider the shape of the stone, the material from which it is made, and what inscription you want to be added to the stone.

What shape should the stone be?

Headstones are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes and you will need to to talk to your monumental mason about the possibilities. Your funeral home may be able to suggest a monumental mason with whom they have a connection or you could search locally for a good monumental mason. Headstones can be divided into three main types. You could ask for a flat stone, flat headstones are laid flat to the ground and essentially cover the grave. Kerbed headstones are also laid flat but include one or more 'steps' to raise them up from ground level. Kerbed headstones are often used alongside upright headstones. Upright headstones are the most common design and stand at the head of the grave.

Which material would be best?

When picking a material for your headstone you could opt for marble, granite, or even bronze or limestone. Your choice will need to be governed not only by what looks good but also by the environmental conditions in the graveyard and the nature of the surrounding headstones. In addition to the material, you must think about the finish that will be applied to the stone. Would it be best to have a polished stone or would you prefer to blend into the surroundings with something that matches the existing headstones? Before making your final choice of both material and style it is wise to check with the graveyard since they often have specific regulations regarding the size and type of stones that can be used in the graveyard.

Selecting your inscription

Choosing the words for the headstone is often the most difficult part. You should always ask the graveyard whether they have any rules relating to inscriptions, but often you must simply choose something that encapsulates the life of the deceased. You could think about lines from the bible, or poetry, or simply words that say how you felt about the deceased. Once you know what you want to say then discuss the engraving with the mason.

For more information on headstones, reach out to a supplier.

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