Choosing a Gravestone

Choosing a headstone

A memorial headstone is an opportunity to remember the person that has died and commemorate their life. Not only does a headstone provide a tangible reminder of the person who has died, it also becomes a marker for loved ones to visit and honour their memory. If you are not sure where to start when choosing a headstone, this guide to the different options may help.

What types of headstones are there?

Memorial headstones come in a variety of shapes and sizes and the type you choose will be personal to you. Here are some examples of the options available:

Tablets and wedges (flat markers)

These are laid flat on the ground and typically made from

granite. They are perfect for marking an ashes burial or for a simple memorial. Inscriptions do however tend to weather more quickly than upright headstones due to the water being able to settle in the inscribed letters.

Upright headstones

A popular option, with an upright tablet structure and matching base. As long as they meet cemetery regulations, upright headstones can be any shape, size and design.

Headstones with kerb sets

Available in some cemeteries, this memorial includes an upright headstone and a matching kerb-set to mark the grave boundary, with chippings covering the grave.

What materials can I use on the headstone?

There are several options available for headstone materials. While generally hard wearing, some stones will change in appearance and weather overtime.

Granite The most popular choice for a memorial due to minimal maintenance, granite is a non-porous, tough and durable stone, available in a variety of colours and finishes.

Marble Marble is considered naturally beautiful due to its smooth, shiny surface. Some churchyards don’t allow marble. It is a porous stone, meaning it will weather over time and needs to be cleaned by a specialist to look like new. For some this patina is desired.

Sandstone This natural-looking material can be used in both churchyards and cemeteries. It is softer than granite and marble and slightly porous.

Slate Slate headstones appeal to many, especially those with local heritage. The quality of the slate will determine its appearance and durability over time. Cheaper slate can discolour or shatter/ chip in local weather conditions. Please bear in mind that different burial grounds have their own rules and regulations for the erection of memorials in relation to size, shape and material.

What do different headstones cost?

The cost of different headstones is comprised of multiple factors including size, shape, material used, inscription type and length, etc. As a rough guide, the pricing is:

What should be written on a headstone?

A headstone will usually contain information about the person who has died: J Their name J Date of birth or age J The date they died

Deciding on the rest of the headstone inscription will require a little more thought, however some people choose to include a short quote or saying, also known as an epitaph. You may also like to consider adding a small design to the headstone to make it unique.

When choosing an epitaph, you should consider the following: J Keep it short and concise. Space is limited to just a few lines J Whose perspective will the epitaph be written from? Think about the voice as it could be the person who has died, a family member or a friend J Be respectful. The words you choose will remain on the memorial forever n

Kelly Owen is the first female funeral director at Tom Owen and Son – an award-winning, family run, independent community Funeral Director situated in Llandudno. They provide a modern fresh approach to organising funerals that empowers you to have a unique funeral that is fitting for the person that has died. For more information, please get in touch with one of the team by calling 01492 860 280 or visit the blog and website at https://www.tomowenandson.com/