The job of the gravestone, headstone or memorial art is to create a focal point for the grave but also to commemorate the person.  That’s why choosing one can be difficult and people sometimes find a while afterwards, they are unhappy with the choice that they made.  So how can you choose the right gravestone and be confident in that choice?

Headstone types

To start with, it is good to understand the basic different types of headstones that are available.  These memorials can contain information about the deceased but are more than just a way to mark the grave – they can be a way to remember the person.

Upright headstones

According to monumental masons, upright headstones remain one of the most popular style of headstones Poole wide and beyond.  These are a traditional design of upright gravestone that can be made from materials such as granite, marble or limestone.  They are fixed to the ground with a concrete base to ensure they are stable and won’t fall over.

Flat headstones

Flat headstones or flat markers are often made from bronze or granite and can sit flush with the ground or may be slanted from the rear so that the top is slightly raised compared to the bottom.  They don’t have as much space for inscription as an upright headstone but may be preferred in some graveyards.

Kerbed headstones

Kerbed headstones or ledger markers are full headstones that lie on the ground and are usually combined with an upright headstone to contain the inscription.  Being a few inches thick, they provide a larger, sturdier grave marker than other styles.

Memorial art

As well as traditional gravestones, you can also find companies that offer memorial art & renovations that allow you to have something different for a grave marker.

Cremation memorials and benches are often used when there is no grave due to a cremation, but the family still wants to have something to focus upon.  Cremation memorials will have containers for the remains and can be paired with a headstone.  Benches are used to enhance the looks of the memorial garden and can contain an inscription commemorating the person.

Checking for any rules

Before deciding upon a particular headstone or memorial art, it is worth checking with the graveyard where the burial will take place because some may have their own rules or guidance about headstones. 

For example, cemeteries are usually run by the local council and will accept burials from all religions.  They tend to be fairly relaxed about what you mark a grave with although they may have specific faith areas.  Churchyards will have rules dictated by the branch of the church with the most common rules being:

• Inscriptions must reference Christianity
• The gravestone shouldn’t use reflective material
• There must be no bold colours or ceramics

If you do want something that seems to break the rules, you can always apply to the individual church or local parish to see if there can be an exception to the rules if you explain why this is important.