Choosing an epitaph for your loved one’s headstone can feel like a daunting task. From lighthearted to heartfelt, there are many different directions you can go. The following tips can help you memorialize your loved one in a way that both captures their spirit and gives you a beautiful reminder of the time you shared.

How to Write a Meaningful Epitaph

1. Take Time to Think

If you try to rush through the task of writing an epitaph, chances are you won’t be happy with the results. Give yourself time to come up with several ideas and even more time to thoughtfully consider them before committing to a single message for your loved one’s headstone.

2. Ask Other Family Members

Talking about the epitaph and your loved one’s legacy with your other family members can give you new ideas that you might not have come up with on your own. It’s also smart to get others’ input before you commit, so they feel like they had a say in the final headstone.

3. Consider What They Would Want

Try to imagine what your loved one would choose to put on their own headstone. Depending on their personality, they may choose something profound and inspirational or humorous and lighthearted. If they were religious, they might want scripture included in their epitaph or even a favorite quote.

4. Make It Short and Sweet

While you can choose a longer epitaph if you have more to say, a general rule of thumb is to keep the message short and straight to the point. Don’t forget to ask the headstone company about the space limitations of the particular marker you’ve chosen.

Honor your loved one’s life and memorialize them in a fitting way with the help of Sweet-Woods Memorial Company in Phoenix, NY. This family-owned and –operated company has been serving the communities of Syracuse, Oswego County, Onondaga County, Cayuga County & Madison County since 1932. They provide beautiful, individualized headstones, plaques, and other memorials with care and compassion. Learn more about their services online or call (315) 695-3376 to speak with a member of the staff.