Choosing a Cemetery Monument: 3 Things to Consider
If you are planning the funeral, you will no doubt be busy telling those who knew the deceased of their passing and working out the type of service you would like. However, one important thing you may have so far overlooked is the type of cemetery monument you would like to erect to mark the final resting place of your loved one. Below is a guide which will help you with the process of choosing a monument.
The type of monument
The standard choice of cemetery monument is a rectangular headstone. However, you also have the choice of more elaborate monuments. For example, you could opt for a shaped headstone, which is shaped like an open book or a star. Alternatively, you may instead opt for a large statue of an angel, a saint or a religious figure. While this is the most expensive option, you could also consider having a stone crypt constructed on the grave site, which will hold the coffin.
The contents of the engraving
Typically, a cemetery monument will have the name of the deceased engraved on the stone. Sometimes the date of birth and the date when they passed away is also included. You may also wish to look for a poem or passage from a book which captures something about the person who is laid to rest at this spot. This text can also be engraved into the surface of the monument as a fitting final epitaph which can bring comfort when you revisit the grave in the months and years to come. The cost of the engraving will depend upon the number of letters or numbers used and if you want the letters to be painted using gold or silver leaf.
Any photographs you wish to add
While adding photographs to a cemetery monument is a very popular choice in parts of Europe, it isn't as widespread in Australia. However, there is no reason why you should not consider adding one of your favourite photographs of your loved one to the cemetery monument. By choosing a picture which captures the deceased when they were in good health and full of life. You should supply either a print of a photograph which can be scanned by the monument manufacturer or digital images which can be printed onto a vinyl slide which will be mounted on the stone.
For further information, you should contact a funeral home which specialises in cemetery monuments.
