As most people will be fully aware, when a loved one has passed away, especially someone we were very close to, we are left with a hole in our lives that is vast and feels as if it will never be filled. Part of this grieving process, alongside the funeral and subsequent burial, is coming up with a monument design that reflects the life of your loved one and how you want to remember them. This will also enable you to form a visual connection with your loved one and other family members in years to come.

The Design Process

It is recommended that you take as much time as you need to consider the possibilities of your monument design, as the permanence and cost of a finished headstone will often not allow for a second attempt. The good news is that your chosen mason will be able to walk you through the entire design process, from choosing the monument material all the way through to choosing what you want it to say, helping you in your time of mourning.

Ideas for Designs

It is important to remember that a monument is generally reflective of an individual’s personality; if your loved one was a big nature lover, for example, it should carry an outdoor motif. Floral motifs are actually quite popular in many countries around the world, as each flower has a symbolic meaning and can be used to say what words cannot. If religion played a role in your loved one’s life, this can also be reflected on their monument.

Personalising the Monument

Once you have settled on a basic monument design, it is time to personalise it in regards to your loved one. Typically, their name and dates of birth and death are engraved on the surface. Most emblems and symbols that are included will be between 3 and 4 inches in size. Many people are also choosing to include ceramic photographs of their loved one – these are available in colour or black and white varieties and can be rectangular, circular or even heart-shaped.

Epitaphs and Verses

Because there is often a little bit of room left on the monument, many people also choose a beautiful epitaph or verse that complements the design and their loved one. You could select something from biblical scripture, a line from a film or novel that your loved one enjoyed, a saying that has been around for millennia, or even something that your loved one used to say a lot. The possibilities of what you can include are endless.

Before committing to a finished product, it is prudent that you begin by sketching out a plan for the monument design (or have the mason whom you have hired do this for you). This will give you an opportunity to review the headstone before any work is done, allowing you to make alterations and changes as you see fit. Once the mason has began carving the stone, it is often too late to make any changes or it will cost you a considerable amount of money, as they will start again.