A headstone inscription is a lasting aspect of a person’s legacy after they have passed. Choosing an appropriate statement can be challenging for family members. Below are a few of the most useful strategies you and your family can use to get started.

How to Select a Meaningful Headstone Inscription

1. Keep the Message Simple

Some like a traditional simple, clear, and powerful statement with only the birth and passing years. It’s a clean look that isn’t busy with an overload of things to look at. More often people choose to include full month, day, and year dates. Nicknames, maiden names, wedding dates, epitaphs, or childrens names are often chosen. The amount of information added shouldn’t overload the available space though or it can begin to look crowded and busy.

Staying simple also keeps the inscription relevant. Something too unique or that conforms to trends may become out of style in the future. An honest clear statement will have the longest lasting effect.

2. Be Inspired by the classics

Use classic inscriptions and epitaphs as inspiration. They are short and sweet profound statements. There are many classics like: In Loving Memory, Gone but not forgotten, Until we meet again, etc. Try to stick to authentic epitaphs that are powerful, meaningful, and honor the deceased.

3. Consider Font & Layout

The right message can become jumbled in the wrong layout or font. Many families choose to order the inscription with the family name large at the top, followed by the name, dates, and epitaph. This creates an easy-to-read order that can be read from a distance.

Professionals recommend a serif font because they’re the most legible. You may want to avoid commas, too many dashes, or quotation marks in longer inscriptions. They can be visually distracting and complicate the layout. 

If you need advice for a loved one’s headstone, trust the compassionate team at Hirons Memorial Works in Mount Orab, OH. This family-owned and -operated company has been serving the area for 80 years and is committed to exceeding clients’ expectations. Their skilled craftsmen create beautiful and unique war memorials, markers, tombstones, and monuments for government, corporate, and private clients. Learn more about their services online, or call (888) 444-6356 to speak with a sales associate.