Tips For Choosing An Inscription For Your Headstone

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Choosing the wording for a memorial or headstone is often a challenging and sometimes stressful. I've been carving headstones over ten years and want to offer some suggestions to help you pick the perfect words.

1.Try to be simple

A smaller inscription is more likely to create more impact than a long one. Although you may have a variety of options for the headstone it's always good to determine if you truly need that much.

It is not required to include all dates or names, however in certain cases the first name might have more impact.

Make it easy and you'll have an even stronger stone.

2.Avoid duplicates of others

There are many templates available on the websites of the monumental masons. If you can, steer clear of these and go with your heart. You can choose your words and avoid following the trends. For example there is an ongoing trend to start a stone with "in love with memory" just as in the past, it could be "here lies". Think about whether you really need or desire to write these words on your memorial.

3.It isn't just about the words

Remember that a headstone is not just about the words. Look at the design and letterforms, the shape of the stone, and perhaps a carving at the top or in reverse. It is also possible to think about other senses, for instance, touch. To symbolize the eternal, a headstone that is round or an unveiled sunken bowl with gold-colored letterforms can be ordered.

4. The material you choose can affect the text

Different headstones require different letterforms that are sized. This affects the size of your inscription. For limestone headstones, for example, requires bold, large letters. Therefore, the text will be shorter. A slate headstone will require a lot of small italic lettersand longer inscribed.

First, decide which is most important: the material or the inscribed. Next, you must work using the information you have chosen.

5.The epitaph

While you aren't able to choose an epitaph for your burial, there are plenty of options. It could be placed in the back or on the side of the stone. It could be in a circular form or it could be a loop around the rim. It isn't a requirement to put it on the front. The reverse of the stone can be used to make an extended epitaph which doesn't take up too much space on the front.

6. Make sure you take your time

Do not be hurried into choosing headstones. I always suggest to wait at least one year before thinking about the inscription.

If you are grieving, the words you want may be emotional, and when you consider the years of stone later, you could regret the choice you chose. By letting it go for a year, you allow feelings to settle and give you time to reflect on what truly is important to you.

Do not feel pressured to place a headstone at the cemetery. It isn't a crime to wait. In the long run, others will be impressed by how thoughtful and beautiful the headstone you chose and appreciate why you waited so much. Many people are rushed and embarrassed to leave an unmarked grave temporary markers. Remember that it's your beloved one and you are the only one who can determine when the time is suitable.

7.Look for an inspiration

There are numerous pictures on the web of gorgeous headstones that can encourage you, and exploring churchyards can assist.

Don't buy the first mason you find. Check out the different designs of stone carvers to determine the one that appeals to you. It is important to find someone who will guide you and work together.