Whether you are planning a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning burial services for yourself, including personal touches in the ceremony will make the memorial special. Customization can extend to headstones and gravemarkers to create a final resting place unique to the deceased. Here are five ways to personalize gravestones.

How to Make Headstones More Personal

1. Interesting Shapes

Create a headstone in the shape of a special object. For car lovers, carve their favorite make or model. Gardeners can have flowers and tools etched into their designs. A gravemarker in the shape of their favorite tome is perfect for book lovers, or if the deceased loved animals, design something that includes their favorite pet.

2. Different Colors

Stones are available in a spectrum of colors, from traditional gray granite to blue or even pink tones. Choose a color close to your loved one’s favorite hue, or select something that holds special meaning for them, such as the colors of their favorite sports team or flower. Pick a tone that represents places they cherished, such as blue for the ocean. Try to use the colors as a theme throughout their funeral arrangements, from the service to the burial.

3. Special Design Accents

Many graves can now feature special fonts and colors for words and images etched onto the stone. Add inlays of gold or silver as well as other colors for a more artistic approach. Make your design cover the whole stone; etch names and quotes on the back in addition to the traditional space on the front.

4. Epitaphs

Incorporate text to leave a special message for the deceased. Besides traditional phrases used in funerals, add special words or their favorite quote or movie phrase. If they had a favorite sentence from a treasured story, incorporate it into their epitaph. You can also add phrases in other languages, and for the more lighthearted family member, insert something that reminds you of their humor.

5. Accessories & Add-Ons

Today, graves can be adorned with features like special lighting, built-in flower vases, photo frames, and more. For military veterans, have a flag holder attached. Technology even allows you to incorporate QR codes that link the grave to a tribute website complete with photos and memories.

Since 2003, Silver Creek Mortuary in Gallup, NM, is the Navajo-owned and -operated mortuary that has provided compassionate funeral planning and grief services to the area. As part of the Navajo national burial program, their expert staff is prepared to help loved ones with burial services to honor those who have passed. To learn more about their offerings, visit them online or call (505) 371-3690 to discuss customized funeral options.