Choosing Headstones
Choosing Headstones
When you’re making arrangements at funeral homes in Summertown, TN one decision you’ll have to make is how to mark the memorial or grave site. One of the most common types of grave markers is a headstone. How do you go about designing your lost loved one’s headstone?
Generally, if you’re working with a funeral director, he or she will give you pertinent information regarding that funeral home’s specific headstone purchasing and designing process. However, it doesn’t hurt for you to be familiar with the process and some key parts. Use these headstone tips to help guide you through the process:
- Make a Budget – The first step is to come up with how much you can or are willing to pay. It’s difficult to come up with an average cost for a headstone because they vary so much when it comes to finish, size, material, lettering, artwork and other personalized features. However, don’t forget to include the costs for delivery and installation in your calculations.
- Choose a Family Representative – While everyone in the family might want to be involved in the headstone design process, having too many cooks in the kitchen can get messy. Especially when grief is involved. Its best to designate one family member or loved one that oversees the design and inscription process. That way, the process is streamlined and simplified for everyone.
- The Designer – Headstone designers are important as they not only give you design suggestions and letterform ideas but also play a large role in capturing the essence of the deceased. Be sure to choose an experienced designer that understands your vision and can help you create a personalized memorial.
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Learn the Different Kinds of Grave Markers
– There are a few different kinds of grave markers that you will have to choose from. What kind you choose depends on your budget, burial plot, and style preferences. The most common kinds of grave markers include flat markers like ledgers and slabs, upright monuments like headstones and mausoleums, bevels, slants, and cremation monuments like traditional urns, columbarium, and more creative urns. Don’t forget to consider what kind of material you want the grave marker to be as well. - Write an Inscription – The inscription, sometimes referred to as an epitaph, is one of the most important parts of a headstone. When choosing what you want the headstone to say, be sure to really take your time. Headstone inscriptions are permanent, so you need to ensure that its meaningful, personal, and something that will remain so for years to come. One way to ensure it will be meaningful for years to come is to avoid using cliches and generic phrases. While “In Loving Memory” is nice, its rather bland and doesn’t say anything specific about the deceased. Try using poems, quotes or songs for inspiration.
Williams Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want more information on designing a headstone or Summertown, TN funeral homes. Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss or of preplanning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the normal size of a headstone?
The standard size for a single grave headstone is 24” by 12”. There are some that use 28” by 16” for more elaborate single headstones or double depth graves where 2 names need to be inscribed.
What type of headstone lasts the longest?
A flat quartzite headstone can last for centuries if the weather is the only factor in degradation. Quartzite is a very hard material that can withstand almost all climates.
How much should I pay for a headstone?
The average cost of a standard flat headstone is around $1,200. But more detailed, upright headstones can cost between $1,200 and $3,200.
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