Epitaphs are short phrases or sayings that are often included on monuments and gravestones to pay tribute to the deceased. They can include wisdom, sentiment, and even a bit of humor. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, creating a suitable epitaph can help you reflect on the memory of that person every time you visit their grave site. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind as you craft this message.

Do:

Keep it short.

Epitaphs are designed to be very short summaries of what the person was like or what was important to them. It can be difficult to capture all the aspects of their personality in a quick phrase or sentence, but you usually don’t have much room to work with. Instead of trying to squeeze in too much, stick with one or two quintessential aspects of their life and personality.

Gather input from others.

Even if you’re in charge of making the final decision, you can gather input from other family members and loved ones to help craft the message. Start by thinking about what the deceased would want, and then run ideas by others who are likely to be visiting their grave site in the years to come. The words you choose should be meaningful to all.

Don’t:

Include a message specific to a certain time.

The message you choose is going to be there forever. Instead of choosing a quote that seems especially relevant in your moment of grief or a funny saying that only a few people will understand, go with something timeless that you’ll still be proud of decades into the future.

Rush your decision.

Because your decision is so permanent, it’s important to take your time and craft something that’s really special. Weigh various options and once you’ve settled on something, sleep on it so you can make the final call with assurance.

If you’re looking into monuments for a loved one, contact Gibney Monument Works in Perry, NY. The locally owned and operated company provides custom monuments and engraving to families throughout the area. With more than 65 years of experience, the compassionate team can help you go through the options and find and customize the perfect grave marker, plaque, or a memorial for your loved one. Visit the company’s website to see a selection of the monuments and other products and services offered, or call them directly at (585) 237-2750.