Significance of an Epitaph

Why is an Epitaph significant?

The choice of a stone for the grave is also an opportunity to commemorate a loved one with a significant inscription. An epitaph can highlight personality traits or accomplishments in life, and is a meaningful way to give respect to the deceased. Often people choose to write an epitaph using a piece of prose, a bible verse, or accomplishments. The purpose of an epitaph is to praise the virtues of your deceased loved one.

Cemetery Monument Types

I am looking for a cemetery monument. What are the different types of cemetery monuments available?

The following are the most common types of cemetery monuments:

Slant style monument: A slant style monument can be used for a grave designed for 1 or 2 burials. A slant style monument is normally low to the ground and can be one to two feet high, with the polished face sloping at about a 45-degree angle.

Single monument: The single monument is a vertical tablet used to identify a single burial plot which in many cases can accommodate up to two interments.

Double monument: A double monument is designed for couples who wish to have adjoining burial sites in order to show their eternal commitment to each another.

Upright monument: This type of monument is most commonly found in older cemeteries, and includes a standing headstone and other tablets. An upright monument consists of two separate pieces: a top piece that stands upright, and a base for the top to rest upon.

Large plot sized monument: A large plot sized monument is usually designed for 6 – 12 burials or even more.

Flush monument: A flush monument lies flush with the ground. It is generally twenty-four inches by twelve inches, but can be larger or smaller depending on a cemetery’s requirements.

What are eco- friendly mausoleums?

Even though mausoleums require construction, designers are exploring new ways to make them eco-friendlier. One way to create an eco-friendly mausoleum is by constructing an “open-air” mausoleum, or a gazebo-like structure in a park or garden. Mausoleums can also be used as a renewable energy source.

Modern Mausoleum Trends

A mausoleum is an external free-standing building that is constructed as a monument to enclose the funeral space or burial chamber of the deceased. When people think about a mausoleum, they picture a dilapidated building in a mystical Gothic style, the kind of building found in a tourist brochure. While there is plenty to appreciate about the style of old and historically significant mausoleums, there is a wide array of modern mausoleums that are built today like never before.   Here are some trends of modern mausoleums that reflect individuality, social responsibility and luxury, even in death.

Mausoleums with Modern Art and Architecture

Many Mausoleums built today are indistinguishable from other modern buildings. Modern-style mausoleums are streamlined with a clean design aesthetic. They look like art museums with clean lines and minimalist designs.

Customization and Personalization

Mausoleums built in the past were solemn and stone-cold structures. However, in today’s day and age, people want customized and personalized mausoleums. Many families prefer a private mausoleum to a public mausoleum because it offers them the option of customization. In a customized and personalized mausoleum, the interior as well as the exterior are constructed to reflect the tastes of the deceased and his or her family.

Eco-conscious Mausoleums

Funerals and cremations are becoming eco-friendlier – a trend that will soon apply to mausoleums as well. Even though mausoleums require construction, designers are exploring new ways to make them eco-friendlier. One way to create an eco-friendly mausoleum is by constructing an “open-air” mausoleum, or a gazebo-like structure in a park or garden. Mausoleums can also be used as a renewable energy source.

Modern Mausoleum

I am looking for a mausoleum with a modern design. Please suggest some modern trends.

There is a wide array of modern mausoleums that are built today like never before.   Here are some trends of modern mausoleums that reflect individuality, social responsibility and luxury, even in death:

•          Mausoleums with Modern Art and Architecture
•          Customization and Personalization
•          Eco-conscious Mausoleums

Which are the most popular materials used for the creation of a cemetery monument?

Different kinds of materials can be used for a cemetery monument, each of which has its own benefits. The following are the most popular materials:

•          Granite:  This material, which is highly durable and comes in a variety of colors, invests a monument with an elegant and classic appearance.
•          Marble: The most popular marble color is white with gray veining. Marble is popular because it is very strong and does not easily succumb to the effects of weathering.
•          Bronze: Bronze is heavy and extremely durable and, therefore, can easily withstand the effects of weathering.
•          Concrete: Though unconventional, this stone can be a reasonable choice due to its low cost and high resistance to the elements.
•          Sandstone: Sandstone is usually chosen for the warm, authentic and rustic look it creates.

What are the different types of cemetery monument finishes?

The different types of cemetery memorial finishes are:polished, partlypolished, honed, pitched and base finishes.

Different Cemetery Monument Finishes

A cemetery monument can help to commemorate the life of your loved one with a tribute that is fitting to his/her life and personality. Once you have selected an appropriate style and design for the monument, you can decide on the type of finish you wish to have. Choosing the right type of finish is important, as it will ensure long-term durability and also add to the aesthetics of the monument.

There are different types of cemetery memorial finishes available. These include:

Polished

Polished monuments are smooth and shiny. However, they require regular cleaning and maintenance. Their reflective surface can make them stand out.

Partly polished

Partly polished monuments are polished on the inscription and base area. This highlights the epitaph and other images, if any. The other areas are sawn, sanded, blasted or rubbed.

Honed

Honed finishes are smooth, but unreflective. This effect is achieved by using dust to partially remove the polish. A honed finish adds depth to the colors on the monument, and is often used on stones that have three or more colors. They are very durable and require minimal cleaning and maintenance.

Pitched

A pitched or rock pitch finish is created using a bolster and hammer. It gives the monument a very rustic look, which makes it blend in with older surroundings.

Base Finishes

A base finish can make the monument table stand out and create a different look. The base is often polished and is used to inscribe names, dates and an epitaph.

Cemetery Monument

Why is it important for me to select the right type of cemetery monument?

Once you have selected an appropriate style and design for the monument, you can decide on the type of finish you wish to have. Choosing the right type of finish is important, as it will ensure long-term durability and also add to the aesthetics of the monument.

Most Popular Cemetery Monument Materials

Choosing the right material is an important aspect of designing a monument for a loved one. Different kinds of materials can be used for a cemetery monument, each of which has its own benefits. The following are the most popular cemetery monument materials:

•          Granite invests a monument with an elegant and classic appearance. Though it can be a little expensive, the price is well worth it because the monument will be strong and long lasting.
•           Marble can also give an elegant appearance to a cemetery monument. The most popular marble color is white with grey veining. Its price varies depending on the color chosen. Marble is very strong and will not easily succumb to the effects of weathering.
•          Bronze can be used in combination with either granite or marble, forming more of a plaque. Bronze is relatively heavy and extremely durable and, therefore, can easily withstand the effects of weathering.
•       Concrete, though unconventional, can be a reasonable choice due to its low cost and high resistance to the elements.
•       Sandstone is durable and can be easily carved. This material is usually chosen for the warm, authentic and rustic look it creates.

Cemetery Monument Materials

I want to design my grandmother’s monument. I am confused about the type of material I should use, since there are so many options. What are the most popular materials used for constructing a cemetery monument?

Different kinds of materials can be used for a cemetery monument, each of which has its own benefits. The following are the most popular materials used:

•          Granite: This highly durable material comes in a variety of colors and invests a monument with an elegant and classic appearance.
•          Marble: The most popular marble color is white with grey veining. Marble is popular because it is very strong and does not easily succumb to the effects of weathering.
•          Bronze: Bronze is heavy and extremely durable, and can easily withstand the effects of weathering.
•          Concrete: Though unconventional, this stone can be a reasonable choice due to its low cost and high resistance to the elements.
•         Sandstone: Sandstone is another durable material for a cemetery monument. It creates a warm, authentic and rustic look.

What things should I take into consideration while purchasing a headstone?

There are several things you should take into consideration while purchasing a headstone:

•                    The cemetery’s headstone rules

•                    The number of people it will memorialize

•                    The shape, size, and color of the other headstones in the cemetery

•                    Whether you would want to include an epitaph

•                    Whether you would be interested in posting a genealogy

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Headstone

When you begin looking for a headstone, there are several key elements that you must consider. These include the cemetery’s headstone rules, the headstone’s shape, size color,setting, etc.Here are some helpful tips on what to consider before purchasing a headstone:

The cemetery’s headstone rules: If you have selected a cemetery already, ask for a copy of the rules and regulations to see if the cemetery requires a specific type of headstone. Knowing beforehand what the cemetery allows will save your time and energy.

The other headstones in the cemetery: Get an idea of the general shape, size and color of the other headstones available in the cemetery.Headstone prices vary according to its size and type. If you are not concerned about cost, you can find a headstone in just about any shape and size.While most families go in for headstones that resemble the other headstones in the cemetery,others prefer something that will stand out.

The number of people it will memorialize: If you are planning to memorialize more than two people on the same stone, specify your requirements to the headstone company representative beforehand.

Would want to include an epitaph?: Decide beforehand whether you would want to put an epitaph on the headstone. An epitaph is a saying that comes to mind when you think of a loved one. They are optional but look nice.

Would you be interested in posting a genealogy?: Some families choose to have a brief genealogy inscribed at the back of their loved one’s headstone. If you would like to have a genealogy inscribed on your loved one’s headstone for posterity’s sake, gather the names of those whom you wish to include.

Headstone

I have been asked to choose a headstone that will be placed on our dear grandmother’s grave. I don’t know how to go about it. I want to make sure that I buy the best one. What things should I take into consideration while purchasing a headstone?

There are several things you should take into consideration while purchasing a headstone:

•          The cemetery’s headstone rules
•          The number of people it will memorialize
•          The shape, size and color of the other headstones in the cemetery
•          Whether you would want to include an epitaph
•         Whether you would be interested in posting a genealogy