A headstone provides a beautiful means to memorialize a loved one, creating a spot where people can visit to remember them. When you are designing one, you want to add elements that will properly honor the deceased. To accomplish this, make sure to include the following.

3 Elements to Include on a Headstone

1. Name

The name should be the largest piece of information and should be placed toward the top of the headstone. Include their full name, and if you wish, you can include any nicknames in quotes or parentheses. If the headstone is a family marker for multiple people, the family name should be at the top, and the individuals’ names should be smaller and toward the bottom.  

2. Dates

Include their date of birth and death. Smaller markers can include just the years in this format: XXXX – XXXX. If you have more space, include the full date with the month, date, and year for both.

3. Epitaph

The epitaph allows you to personalize the marker for the deceased. If they were a religious Christian, consider choosing a Bible verse, such as Matthew 26:45: “Sleep on now, and take your rest.”

Some people select a meaningful poem or quote, whether an original one that they wrote or a borrowed one. It’s best to keep them short and sweet. You could demonstrate how remarkable they were with a quote, such as, “A star on Earth and a star in heaven.” You can express your appreciation for their life with words, such as, “He gave us the meaning of humanity.” 

You can also use the epitaph to share the legacy of your loved one. For example, if they passed away during a war, you can use a line, such as “They gave their life for their country.” 

Your loved one deserves the best, so design their headstone with an experienced and dedicated team. Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. is a family-owned and -operated company that has been serving the families of central New York, including Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Madison counties, since 1932. They create memorials of all sizes, from plaques to mausoleums. Visit them online to learn more, or call (315) 695-3376 to speak to a staff member.