Working in the memorial trade what to put on a headstone is more often than not the first question I get asked and my response is always, well that depends.
The best place to start is with the names and dates, it’s not necessary to start with “In Loving Memory of” however many people do and many people prefer starting this way. Starting with the names and dates is the best way to start as 99.9% of headstones will have this information on them and in reality, is all that is needed, the rest are additional extras.
Churchyards and cemeteries will have their own rules and regulations which the memorial masons will have to abide by however, they will explain this to you during the process.
Some additional extras available to you can be:
- A picture design e.g. a rose design
- A loving Mother
- A loving Father
- A soldier who served their country
Other extras can contain quote’s either said by the deceased or quotes personal to them such as:
- Heaven gained an angel
- Together again
- We will meet again
- Don’t be sad I’m gone, be happy I lived
- I told you I was ill (Spike Milligan’s final punchline)
You will always need to take into consideration if the grave/ashes plot is just for one person or for two people as you will need to make sure there is more room on the headstone for the second inscription unless you want to buy a whole new stone.
Headstones allow you and your family to express yourself in a way that best suits you and your family. In some cases, your headstone can help leave an everlasting impression who you may never have had the pleasure of meeting.
