After a loved one dies, putting their remains to rest in a cemetery will give friends and family a place to visit to pay respects. The headstone placed at the site will have an inscription that helps people to recall the person or learn more about them long after they’re gone. When deciding what to write, follow the below suggestions to ensure the inscription is powerful and meaningful.    

3 Tips to Make a Headstone Epitaph Meaningful

1. Consider What Your Loved One Would Have Liked

When deciding what message to have inscribed, take the personality of the deceased into account. For example, if the person was fond of traditions, begin the inscription with “In loving memory” or another familiar quote. If your loved one had a creative spirit, choose an unconventional text, such as their personal motto or a line from their favorite movie, song, or book. Whatever you decide, keep the wording positive, as it will help lift mourners’ spirits when they come to visit. 

2. Don’t Forget to Include Important Facts

In addition to a memorable quote, the inscription should include the name of the deceased as well as the date of their birth and death. You may also want to add other important information about their life, such as their accomplishments. You can include whether the person was married or had kids and grandchildren, as well as other personal or professional highlights to help mourners build a connection.  

3. Get Feedback From Others

When thinking about potential headstone inscriptions, write down your ideas. As people will see the message each time they visit the grave, you want to ensure it evokes the response you want. Read the text to a loved one who also knew the deceased, as they can provide valuable feedback to help you improve the inscription.

If you have lost someone close, the professionals at Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix, NY, will help you create a touching headstone to honor their memory. Since 1932, the company has built a reputation in central New York for helping clients design and inscribe grave markers and monuments for the dearly departed. To learn more about their services in the Syracuse area as well as Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Madison counties, call (315) 695-3376. Visit the company’s website to learn more about the headstones they offer.