Selecting the right headstone for your loved one is an important task. After all, this headstone will serve as a tribute to them and mark their final resting place for years to come. With so many types and designs of headstones available, it can make this choice difficult and maybe even a little overwhelming. Directors of funeral homes in Freeport, IL have these steps to share to make this process easier.

Key Takeaways:

When selecting a headstone, it is best to know the shape you want. The form of the monument will depend on personal preference and how much you are willing to spend. Various conditions are available, including traditional rectangles, hearts, ovals, diamonds, obelisks, etc. Additionally, there are sizes to fit any budget. When selecting the size, it is essential to consider the cemetery’s restrictions and the size of the plot.

1. Consult the Cemetery

Before you even begin talking with headstone providers, make sure you consult the cemetery where the headstone will be placed in. Many cemeteries often have rules and regulations on what they will approve and not approve to be installed. These rules can cover things like the type of headstone, the material, or the design.

2. Set a Firm Budget

Headstones can range in price all across the board. Because of this, it is important for you to determine your budget before you begin shopping. While you are grieving, you might make decisions based on emotion rather than logic. This can cause you to get carried away at the time of purchase and overspend only to regret it later. Make sure to set a firm budget beforehand and stick to it.

3. Decide the Type of Headstone

There are several types of headstones available. Which one you choose will ultimately be decided by price, cemetery rules, and personal taste. Some of the types you can choose from include:

Bevel Marker – These are a block of stone that lay on the ground and have a sloping front face.

Flat Marker – These markers are flat stone tablets and lay flush into the ground

Upright monument – This is what most people imagine when they think of a headstone. It has a concrete base and can be made into almost any shape

Kerbed Headstone – This marker is a full-length stone that lies flush into the ground above the gravesite

4. Choose the Material

Once you know the type of headstone you want, you will need to determine what material it will be made from. Common materials used include marble, granite, limestone, steel, and bronze. Granite is typically the most common due to its durability and its availability of it in various colors.

When choosing the material, keep the climate in mind as some materials do better in certain environments than others. Your headstone provider can inform you of your best material options.

5. Design The Headstone

Designing the headstone can oftentimes be the most challenging. This phase may take the longest for you to decide and that’s okay. Don’t rush. Also, it can be a good idea to enlist other family members to help you and offer their opinions.

Designing the headstone will include many elements including things like the shape of the headstone, the font for any engraving and lettering, the addition of any photos or images, the color of the headstone, and more.

You can see that choosing a headstone consists of many choices. Instead of looking at this as overwhelming, look at it as a wonderful opportunity to design a marker that truly honors your loved one in a meaningful way.

If you would like more information about headstones or services at funeral homes in Freeport, IL, give us a call today and let our knowledgeable and caring staff answer any questions you may have.