How to Choose a Gravestone

Sometimes simple says it all

A mass of unmarked graves always puts a shiver down the spine, so you’ll want to take care when picking a memorial marker for those you love. You can choose a gravestone, either in advance for yourself or for your dearly departed, with a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. Decide what visuals you want on it. Some gravestones include a photo of the person, or even two photos. Also decide on any adornments such as fancy scrolls, an etching or an angel in the corner blessing the soul.

2. Figure out what it should say and the type of lettering your prefer. Block letters with just the name and dates of birth and death will need less space than a pithy epithet.

3. Make it appropriate for the size of the plot, memorial or mausoleum where it will be placed.

4. Sketch out a rough illustration of what the gravestone should look like.

5. Come up with how much you are willing or able to spend. Adjust your choices as necessary once you start pricing the gravestones with your options in mind.

Tips & Warnings

• You can get referrals from the funeral home, but if you are up to it, also shop around at other local memorial businesses until you find one that suits your taste.

• Artists and poets may fare well with one of their illustrations or poems on the gravestone.

• Get input from other family members, if you want to, as they may criticize your choice unless they had some say in it. If you don’t care, the heck with them.

• You can make sure you get what you want on your own gravestone by ordering it in advance, but that can feel somewhat fatalistic.

• Don’t be skimpy. This is someone’s last word.