It’s always difficult to make the arrangements for a parent who has passed away, including choosing a headstone. There are a number of options for designing a parent’s gravestone, and it can be helpful to know all of the different possibilities when making the decision. Here are a few considerations to think about.

How to Select a Headstone

1. Choose the Right Material

There are a wide variety of materials available for headstones, including marble, granite, slate, sandstone, bronze, and limestone. Bronze and granite are generally regarded as quality materials, as they are visually appealing and durable. Also, granite comes in a number of different colors, allowing you to choose one that fits what you’re looking for.

2. Think About the Inscription

In some cases, your parent may have left an epitaph that they wanted on their headstone; however, if they did not, it’s up to you to decide. If you’re looking for something different, avoid clichés, such as “in loving memory of,” and instead consider inscriptions that include a line from a poem or a timeless quote. Keep it short and get feedback from your family members to ensure that everyone is involved in the process. 

3. Consider Alternative Headstones

If your parent chose cremation—which is becoming increasingly popular—over a traditional burial there are a number of unique options for tasteful, meaningful monuments if you decide to bury the urn. For example, use a bronze plate and place a vase for flowers on top of it to serve as a memorial. 

When you need to create a headstone or monument for your parent, contact Derrick Monument Company Inc, based in Genesee County, NY. Their caring employees understand that every person deserves a monument that matches the full beauty of their life, and they endeavor to work with each client to create a monument that is right for them. To contact them, call (585) 768-8470 or visit their website.