An epitaph is a brief inscription that adorns monuments, headstones, and tombs. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, you may need to find a few words to memorialize them, but the task can be overwhelming. As you sit down to write this significant inscription, keep these tips in mind to guide you. 

How to Write an Epitaph

1. Take Your Time

While it may only be a line or two, those few words are significant. Finding the right ones can take time, so don’t pressure yourself to rush. Start a draft and step away to collect your thoughts. Give yourself the time you need to write an epitaph that you feel good about. 

2. Consider the Deceased

Think about what they would have wanted. Did they have achievements they were proud of that they would have wanted to display? Would they have preferred a lighthearted or humorous phrase? Maybe they had a favorite quote that summed them up well. Take who they were into account to give you direction in this endeavor. 

3. Keep Space in Mind

Consider how much space you have to work with. An epitaph can be a poem or quote, but if it doesn’t fit without shrinking the text to the point of illegibility, you’ll need to come up with a new idea. Find out the size of the headstone or monument to see how much room you’re working with to avoid choosing an epitaph that doesn’t fit. 

Designing the perfect monument for your loved one is a hard job, so let the professionals at Derrick Monument Company Inc. in Le Roy, NY, help. This family-owned business focuses on customer care and artistry alike as they work with you to memorialize your loved one. Call them today at (585) 768-8470 or visit them online to learn more about their products and services.