What to Consider When Choosing a Monument Headstone
When a loved one passes away, planning a funeral can feel both rewarding and challenging. If the funeral involves a burial, you may want to start thinking about the monument headstone you will choose. Depending on the area where the burial takes place, you may need to wait a few months before installing the stone. However, you can use that time to consider what the monument will require.
1. Your Loved One's Wishes
Not everyone makes their wishes clear before they die. However, there's a chance your loved one had some thoughts about their monument headstone. If the person who passed away didn't make their wishes clear to you, try asking other people they were close to. You could also try looking at their will to see if they specified any funeral plans.
2. The Headstone's Material
There are plenty of materials to choose from when it comes to monument headstones. One of the most popular is granite. It's beautiful, durable and it comes in a variety of colours. If you're looking for a material that will allow you to request an intricate design, try marble. Or, for one that doesn't require much maintenance, you could also try bronze. When choosing the material, consider maintenance, aesthetic, and durability as your determining factors.
3. Additional Images
Some people take comfort from adding images to their memorial. This could be a picture of the person who died or a depiction of an angel or a similar religious emblem. When choosing an image, make sure you discuss longevity with the person who is creating your headstone. Ask them about the likelihood of the picture fading and whether there is anything they can do to prevent it.
4. Inscriptions
Most memorials come with an inscription. Inscriptions are usually permanent, so this is an element of the design that you may want to dedicate a decent amount of time to reflecting on. Before finalising the inscription, make sure you discuss it with your loved ones. They may want to make a contribution and having more people involved in the process can bring peace to the grieving period. If you're altering an existing monument because you're using a shared family plot, consider whether you'll need to leave space for future burials.
With a little reflection and discussion with others, you can create the right monument for your loved one. If the process feels difficult, consider asking someone from your chosen funeral home for help.
