What are some ideas for unique headstone inscriptions?

The following are some unique headstone inscription ideas:

·         Go for an artist-drawn inscription. With the help of an artist, engrave your loved one’s image and the things he/she loved. This will give people a real glimpse of who the person was.

·         Include the own words of your loved one in the headstone. Go through old letters to find something that represents the person's voice.

·         If your loved one had a favorite song, you can engrave a portion of the lyrics on the headstone.

·         You can also honor your loved one with a quote. You can choose meaningful words from the Bible, a favorite movie, an admired politician or author, something the person always said, etc.

·         You can also inscribe your loved one’s headstone with a coded message.

Ideas for Unique Headstone Inscriptions

Inscription on a headstone offers a lasting memorial to your departed loved one. However, it may not be easy to find an appropriate inscription. Depending on the deceased’s personality and sense of humor, you can incorporate one of these ideas:

Go for an artist-drawn inscription

Give your loved one’s headstone a custom look by working with an artist. You can engrave your loved one’s image and the things he/she loved. This will give people a real glimpse of who the person was.

Include the own words of the deceased

Some people write their own epitaphs while they are still alive. However, if your loved one didn't write his/ her own epitaph, you can read through old letters to find something that represents the person's voice. Expressions of love or other personal notes can be a great way to immortalize a loved one.

Include inscriptions based on song lyrics

If your loved one had a favorite song, you can engrave a portion of the lyrics on the headstone. The chorus of the song is always a good choice. Anyone familiar with the song will understand that it was meaningful to your loved one.

Include meaningful words

You can also honor your loved one with a quote. You can choose meaningful words from the Bible, a favorite movie, an admired politician or author, something the person always said, etc.

Go for coded epitaphs

Some people these days choose to inscribe their loved one’s headstones with coded messages. To build a perfect coded epitaph, you should consider one of these ideas:

• Use the first letter of each line of a verse to spell out a word or message.
• Choose a riddle to inscribe on the stone.
• Leave a message about a secret hiding place.
• Offer clues about a family secret.

Ideas for Headstone Inscriptions

I am planning to put some inscriptions on my mother’s cemetery headstone. What are some important inscriptions that I can incorporate?

Inscription on a headstone offers a lasting memorial to your departed loved one. However, it may not be easy to find an appropriate inscription. Depending on the deceased’s personality and sense of humor, you can incorporate one of these ideas:

• Go for an artist-drawn inscription. With the help of an artist, engrave your loved one’s image and the things he/she loved. This will give people a real glimpse of who the person was.
• Include the own words of your loved one in the headstone. Go through old letters to find something that represents the person's voice.
• If your loved one had a favorite song, you can engrave a portion of the lyrics on the headstone.
• You can also honor your loved one with a quote. You can choose meaningful words from the Bible, a favorite movie, an admired politician or author, something the person always said, etc.
• You can also inscribe your loved one’s headstone with a coded message.

What are the different types of cemetery monuments?

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 on.

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.

Types of Cemetery Monuments

A cemetery monument is a type of structure explicitly created to commemorate a person and pay tribute to his or her life. Many cemeteries have several regulations on what type and size of monument they will allow. The following are some of the most common types of cemetery monuments found in cemeteries today:

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. Many cemeteries have specific rules and regulations about the sizes of slant that can be used.

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. It consists of a top stone and base.

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 on. This monument is made of a number of materials, including granite, marble, slate and sandstone.

Large plot sized monument: A large plot sized monument is usually designed for 6 – 12 burials or even more. The layout of the lettering and location of the design play a role in determining how many names will eventually fit on the entire monument.

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 should you consider while writing an epitaph?

·         Less is more—on a monument or headstone you will be limited to a few lines. It is important to be concise when trying to sum up a person’s life.

·         Choose wisely—the best epitaphs are timeless and not overly sentimental. It is best to choose an epitaph when emotions have settled down, so you can think clearly.

·         Pick a voice—often, someone is speaking in the first person (a relative, a friend; the deceased).

·         Who does it speak to? — Consider whether you want the epitaph to speak directly to someone, maybe a passerby or the loved one him/herself

Choosing an Epitaph

The most difficult time in a person’s life concerns the death of a family member or friend. It may be experienced on numerous occasions during their lifetime but this doesn’t make the loss any easier. However, dealing effectively and positively with grief when a loved one passes away is essential to the recovery process. The most burdensome part of the whole mourning process may be preparing for a funeral service. Once a loved one has been put to rest the final step of the process is choosing a tombstone or grave marker to identify the grave.

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 times 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.

What to consider while choosing an epitaph

•          Less is more—on a monument or headstone you will be limited to a few lines. It is important to be concise when trying to sum up a person’s life.
•          Choose wisely—the best epitaphs are timeless and not overly sentimental. It is best to choose an epitaph when emotions have settled down, so you can think clearly.
•          Pick a voice—often, someone is speaking in first person (a relative, a friend; the deceased).
•          Who does it speak to—consider whether you want the epitaph to speak directly to someone, maybe a passerby or the loved one him/herself.

Epitaphs allow us to remember our loved ones in a way we never thought possible. A few sentimental words that describe how a person lived his/her life can give us the strength and courage to move on.