Should You Opt For A Headstone, Monument Or Marker?
Making funeral arrangements for a loved one can be emotionally difficult and leave you feeling exhausted and confused by all the decisions you have to make. Choosing a memorial for your loved one's graveside doesn't have to be done right away. You can wait a few months if you would like, and this can give you one less thing to do before the funeral and the time to really think about how you would like to memorialise your loved one. When the time is right for you to choose a memorial, there are three main options for you to consider. Read on to learn about these options.
A Headstone
A headstone is a very popular type of graveside memorial and sits erect, which allows you to easily read any inscription on it or find your loved one's graveside in the cemetery. Headstones are often made of granite, which is very durable and requires little maintenance but can also be made of sandstone or marble. You can have words or an image inscribed onto a headstone, so it can be customised to meet your specific requirements.
A Monument
Monuments are similar to headstones, but they are much larger and can come in a range of different shapes and designs, such as a spindle, an obelisk, an angel or an eagle. There are many styles to choose from, so you may want to consider what your loved one liked and work from there. A monument is a more expensive option when compared to a gravestone, but if your loved one is buried in a family plot, a monument can be a cost-effective memorial piece that allows plenty of space for inscriptions to be added in the future.
A Marker
A marker may be the right choice if you would like an understated memorial. They are small and sit flat against the ground. They can be inscribed in the same way a headstone can, but you will need to be standing right over it to be able to read it. A marker won't stand out in a cemetery full of headstones and monuments, so it won't help other family members or friends to find your loved one's graveside. However, you can still personalise it with a laser etched image and some come with an attached memorial vase for honouring your loved one with fresh or artificial flowers.
If you're struggling to decide which type of memorial is best for your loved one's graveside, speak to your chosen funeral director. They can make a recommendation based on your budget and what you'd like the memorial to convey.