Coping with the death of a loved one is traumatic. Making important choices in the aftermath of the loss, such as planning the funeral and selecting a monument, can also be challenging. Some families may find it cathartic to make these decisions, however, in honor of the deceased’s unique, beautiful life. Here are some steps that you can take to plan an appropriate monument that does justice to your loved one.

How to Plan a Monument

1. Establish a Budget

Financial concerns are natural in the aftermath of losing a loved one. Expenses tend to mount quickly, and many families are unprepared for the costs associated with death. You don’t necessarily need to know how much you want to spend on a gravestone or marker right away, but a professional company can provide you with a general outline of what you might expect to spend. They can also work with you once you determine your budget to create a fitting monument befitting your loved one.

2. Consider the Style

There are different types of burial monuments available, including headstones and flat grave markers. Headstones are essentially upright monuments, often made with granite, while grave markers are flattened plaques. Both can be personalized with details about your loved one, along with meaningful inscriptions or imagery. At this stage you may also choose sizing and color options based on your cemetery’s guidelines and your budgetary constraints.

3. Choose Your Inscription

Determining the wording for a monument can be tough, especially if the loss was sudden. You may wish to keep it simple by including only the person’s full name, dates of birth and death, and relationships. Phrasing such as “beloved wife, aunt, and sister” is common, but you may also want to add a line from a poem or song that the deceased loved. The key is to give it a personalized touch that allows the marker to truly pay homage to your loved one.

The experts at McGee Monuments in Rochester, NY, understand the value and importance of a beautiful monument. That’s why they work closely with you to create a thoughtful and beautiful marker that best honors your loved one. These compassionate professionals offer over 100 different monument styles in many colors, so you’re sure to find a headstone or grave marker that is ideal. You can visit their website to learn more, or call them at (585) 546-4602.