Monument stones are meant to stand as permanent reminders of a loved one you’ve lost. While the sentiment is powerful, the pressure of choosing words that will last for years can be overwhelming for many grieving families. Below are a few tips for deciding what to include on a loved one’s headstone.

What to Engrave on a Loved One’s Memorial

1. Be Concise

You might be tempted to engrave a headstone with your loved one’s favorite poem or religious verse. This is a meaningful gesture, but the results can be hard to read if the text is lengthy and the font is small.

To keep the epigraph as legible as possible, try to be concise. In most cases, you’ll only have space for a few lines of text, so consider a loving phrase or a few words describing their life.

2. Write Something in Their Voice

If you’re having trouble thinking of a relevant quote or want something more original, remember your loved one’s voice. Some families enjoy putting a favorite phrase or piece of advice the departed loved to give. This approach can allow their voice to live on when others read their headstone years later.

3. Talk About Their Role

Many people are proud of the role they play in others' lives. For instance, your loved one may have been devoted to their children or defined their life by their profession. Some build their lives around their pets.

If this sounds like your loved one, you may want their inscription to describe their role. Their headstone might read “here lies a beloved friend and cherished teacher,” or similar language.

Since 1915, Derrick Monument Company Inc. has been helping New York families celebrate the lives of their lost loved ones. If a cherished family member has passed away, their craftsman will create a headstone that will celebrate their lives and the effect they had on those left behind. Visit their website for more details, or call (585) 768-8470 to speak with a caring staff member today.