The process of choosing a headstone involves a lot of decisions. There are many factors to consider involving price, design, materials, installation, and maintenance. You’ll want to select a memorial that stands up to time and the elements as well as represent your loved one. Here are eight steps to help you through the process of choosing a headstone:
1. SET A BUDGET
A headstone is an expensive purchase and it’s a good idea to set a budget before visiting a monument provider. Grave markers can cost upwards of thousands of dollars based on size, material, and add-on accessories. Also, be sure to check any pre-plans the deceased may have put in place that includes the cost of a headstone.
2. CONSULT THE CEMETERY ABOUT REGULATIONS AND INSTALLATION
Cemeteries and memorial parks have regulations in place for what type and size of headstones they allow, and this can differ by location. Some burial grounds may want a uniform look with flat markers or only one type of material, such as granite. Ask the property manager what these restrictions may be before deciding on your purchase.
Often the cemetery provides installation services for a fee or may require that you only purchase a headstone from their specific providers. If you need to hire an installer, ask friends and family for references. If your loved one is an eligible veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs can also provide a free headstone, among
other burial services.
3. UNDERSTANDING TYPES OF HEADSTONES
Flat Markers:
A square or rectangular marker laid flat on the ground.
Upright Headstones:
A traditional design with a tablet supported by a base.
Slant Markers:
Have a sloped face and stand upright, often installed on a base.
Bevel Markers:
Also known as a pillow marker, this is flat but slanted so the back edge is taller than the front.
Ledger Marker:
A slab of stone that lies flat over the entire grave and can also be used together with an upright stone at the head of the grave. It can even cover more than one grave.
Double Monument:
This covers two burial plots, usually for spouses and siblings.
If you’re not sure what type of grave marker to select, walk through cemeteries and gravesites to get a better idea of the various styles. Take photos of ones that appeal to you to aid your monument builder in design.
4. SELECT THE HEADSTONE MATERIAL
When it comes to selecting headstone material, ideally you might want to select a type that weathers the elements well and lasts a long time without high maintenance.
Granite:
Offers the most options plus durability and affordability.
Marble:
A smooth material with colorful patterns in it. However, it needs continued maintenance and not all burial grounds allow it for this reason.
Limestone:
A soft stone, not as strong as marble or granite. It weathers quickly, affecting the readability of inscriptions.
Bronze:
One of the most expensive options, this is a durable material that naturally darkens over time and requires little maintenance.
Stainless steel:
A modern option, stainless is sturdy and combats the elements well compared to stone.
Slate:
A smooth stone, easy to carve, but porous and not long-lasting.
5. HEADSTONE DESIGN & FINISH
Some of the most common design shapes you may have seen include a book, tear, heart, or cross. The design also includes the finish of the stone and can be done in a variety of ways. Here are some common finishes.
Polished:
Smooth and shiny, best suited for granite but highly reflective. It also requires regular cleaning and maintenance.
Part-polished:
Where only certain elements are shiny such as the base or inscription area.
Honed:
Smooth, but unpolished and non-reflective.
Pitched or rock pitch:
A rough, natural appearance where the edges may be chiseled to look worn, fitting in with an older cemetery.
6. CREATE AN INSCRIPTION
This is where you’ll carefully choose what to have inscribed on the headstone, including the deceased’s name and date of birth and death. Considering the size of the stone, you can also add other items such as religious symbols, flowers, images, animals, and poetry. Be sure to consult the monument maker on the best font to use for readability.
Whatever inscriptions you select, you’ll want them to celebrate your loved one’s personality, legacy, and accomplishments. Think of this as your farewell message to honor their memory. If you’re not sure on what to include, ask family and friends for advice.
The cost of the inscription will be based on many factors like number of letters, symbols, images, engraving type, use of gold leaf or paint, and lettering material. Also, the engraving style you choose may require more headstone maintenance which creates an ongoing expense.
7. SELECT HEADSTONE SUPPLIER
Take your time in exploring a headstone purchase from multiple sources such as the cemetery, funeral home, monument dealer, or online dealer but be sure what you choose is approved by the burial property. In order to get the most affordable and quality deal, look to referrals from trusted people, ask for warranty information, check on company quality and reliability, and read customer reviews.
8. ASK FOR A PROOF TO REVIEW
A final, key component of this multi-layered process is to ask for a proof or a draft of the headstone for your approval. Check this carefully before signing off on the product. This could save you an expensive adjustment later if there are typos or you need to make corrections.
Creating a headstone is a large investment that takes time, up to six months to construct and engrave. However, the time is worth it to memorialize your loved one for many years to come, providing a special place for family and friends to reflect.
Putting together a checklist, setting a budget, understanding cemetery rules, choosing best-suited materials and design, and finding a reputable supplier will make this process much smoother. For more information on headstone planning, call us today at 609-344-9004.