Choosing the Perfect Grave Marker for Your Loved One
Posted on: 4 March 2015
One of the final acts you'll do to honor a recently deceased family member is to select an appropriate memorial for them. There are a variety of memorial grave markers from which to choose. Size, material and the inscription on the marker are the primary factors to consider. Here are some guidelines when you start looking for the perfect grave site memorial.
Material Choices
Marble has been a long-time favorite because of it's beauty and ease of engraving. But over the years, pollution in the air has caused marble monuments to slowly wear down, with the inscriptions on some nearly blotted out. Deeper engravings and stone sealers that protect the monument from the weather still make marble a good choice.
Granite has become popular because of its durability and resistance to weather. It comes in a number of colors and can be polished to a high gloss or left with a matte surface. Both granite and marble can be carved into a number of shape and sizes.
Bronze monuments are generally used as a plaque set flat onto the ground, or as an accent attached to a stone monument. Bronze inscriptions are done as raised lettering on a bronze plate. Bronze monuments are beautiful but do require more protection from weather to prevent tarnishing and pitting.
Shape and Size Options
The typical shapes include upright monuments and those that rest flat on the ground. The upright style can be a rectangular slab, or a stone that tapers gradually from the base to the top of the monument. Stones may be placed directly into the ground, or rest on another rectangular slab lying flat on the ground.
The cemetery where your loved one rests will have regulations as to the size of the memorial that is allowed. The size you choose should accommodate the inscription you plan to include so it is easily readable by those visiting the site.
Memorial Inscriptions
Typically you'll begin with the family member's name, date of birth and date of death. From there, you can choose from a number of meaningful inscriptions to honor the person such as:
- short, traditional phrases such as "Rest in Peace"
- a favorite scripture verse
- a portion of the lyrics from a favorite song
- poems or quotes from other literary works
- a characteristic trait of the person such as "You made everyone smile who met you"
- statements of accomplishment such as "A pioneer in the education of our youth"
The inscription you choose should invoke fond memories of the person, or to make strangers aware that this was a special individual.
Take your time choosing the perfect memorial for your family member (with companies like An Thiel Monuments). You will want to look at a number of shapes and sizes until you find the marker that best honors their memory.
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