Headstones
Headstones are lasting memorials to the life of a loved one. Through simple designs and choice words, you can express the essence of the life being commemorated. The type of headstone can tell a lot about the person who is buried, so it is important to keep their personality in mind when choosing one.
Types of Headstone
Upright headstones are the most traditional and tend to be more uniform in size. They are fixed to the ground with a concrete base. Simpler, flat headstones come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are laid flat or at a slight angle. Kerbed or ledger headstones are full-length and lie flat to cover the entire grave, while cremation memorials are similar to upright headstones but with containers for the cremated remains on either side.
Things to Consider
There is a range of options to choose from when choosing headstones. You will need to decide the stone type. Popular materials include granite which comes in a variety of colours and is very durable, marble which looks great but is not allowed in all burial grounds, limestone is traditional but may not weather well and bronze which has longevity but again is not always allowed.
The finish of a headstone can also vary as you can choose headstones which are polished, part-polished where parts of the gravestone are emphasised, honeyed/eggshell finishes where the stone is smooth but not shiny or pitched which gives a headstone a more aged look.
Headstones come in different sizes, shapes and dimensions, so you will need to decide what suits the burial plot best. The inscription and lettering style will be very personal to you, and you may choose to add an image or motif as well. Images often reflect the lifestyle of the deceased, and the style of lettering can add character.
You should always check what rules cemeteries and churchyards might have before taking your final decision.
