Choosing A Headstone For Your Loved One
When dealing with the death of someone you love, making decisions can be difficult. One of these decisions includes choosing a headstone. Deciding what type of headstone and where to purchase it can add stress to an already difficult time. Here are some tips that will help you in your decision about what kind of headstone to choose for your loved one and where to get it from.
Set A Budget
Setting a budget for a loved one’s headstone can be difficult. You don’t want to spend beyond your means. To set a budget that works best for you and your family, ask yourself how much you can afford per month and then find out what a good headstone would cost in that price range.
Get Installation Services From The Cemetery
In many cases, cemeteries offer installation services for headstones and memorials. If your cemetery does not offer them, you will have to find a mason to do it for you. Either way, if possible, you should ask for installation services if you are placing an in-ground headstone or tombstone. It is an important part of picking out a headstone and can greatly impact how your loved one’s grave looks overall.
Select Headstone Finish
Stone caskets come in a variety of colors and finishes. You can also find wood or metal grave markers, but they’re not as common as stone. Since your loved one’s final resting place will be outdoors, it’s a good idea to find a headstone finish that will withstand all kinds of weather conditions. If you have any say in which cemetery one will be buried in, call and ask if there are any restrictions on headstones materials. Also, make sure your loved one has a right to be buried at that cemetery—if he or she doesn’t, there may be additional rules regarding materials and styles used on headstones there.
Get To Know The Different Types Of Headstones
When it comes to choosing a headstone for your loved one, you’ll be able to select from a wide range of materials, shapes, and styles. Slate or granite stones are often used for funerals as they’re weather-resistant. Granite is a great material because it is smooth enough to allow for delicate engraving work, but it’s also rugged and solid enough to withstand harsh winters. Alternatively, bronze or copper will preserve your loved one’s memory.
Choose Your Headstone
Pre-made headstones are available from most cemeteries, but you can also choose from a wide variety of customized headstones. The right choice for you depends on many factors, including your budget and personal preferences. If you have your heart set on having a specialty stone made, consider speaking with local monument makers and visiting nearby cemeteries to see what options are available.
Beyond choosing a headstone style, you’ll also want to consider the size and other options. Do you need a custom marker to fit into a specific spot? Does your family want an engraved plaque for inside a mausoleum or columbarium? These are all important considerations in making sure that you select something beautiful but practical for your final resting place. And if you don’t know what to do, it can be hard to find someone who does. That’s why we offer a personal service: our team will work with your family members and funeral home staff (or another intermediary) to ensure that all decisions are handled in an ethical, sensitive way.
