Options to Customize a Headstone

Customizing your Monument

Walker Monument understands losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and emotionally overwhelming experiences we face in life. During this difficult time, choosing a headstone to honor their memory becomes a significant part of the grieving process. A headstone serves as a permanent marker, preserving the legacy and life of the person we hold dear. With a multitude of customization options available today, we have the opportunity to create a truly personalized tribute that reflects their unique personality and interests.

Material Matters:

Choosing the Perfect Headstone Material

When it comes to headstone design, one of the key decisions to make is selecting the right material. The material you choose plays a vital role in the overall appearance, durability, and longevity of the headstone. The options range from timeless granite to alternative materials such as bronze. Each material has its own distinct characteristics and aesthetic appeal, allowing you to choose the perfect fit based on your preferences, budget, and the message you want to convey.

Granite, with its durability and natural beauty, has been a popular choice for many years. It offers a wide range of colors, from classic blacks and grays to vibrant blues and pinks. Bronze, a versatile material, provides a unique and distinguished look, often associated with commemorative plaques and markers. Exploring these materials and their variations will help you find the perfect match that truly embodies your loved one's spirit.

The Shape of Memories:

Headstone Design and Size

Headstones come in various shapes and sizes, offering a wide range of design options. The size of the headstone should be carefully considered, taking into account the plot and the surrounding graves. It is essential to maintain proportionality while ensuring that the chosen size provides ample space for inscriptions and other design elements.

Traditionally, upright headstones have been a popular choice, standing tall on a solid base. They exude a sense of dignity and prominence, allowing for more extensive customization. Grass markers, also known as flat markers, grave markers or lawn-level markers, lie flush with the ground and provide a more subtle and understated appearance. These markers are often made of durable materials like bronze or granite, and they can be personalized with engravings and designs to honor your loved one's memory.

For those seeking a unique design, custom-shaped headstones offer endless possibilities. These headstones can be crafted to reflect a specific interest, passion, or symbol that held significance to your loved one. From religious symbols to hobbies and even intricate artwork, custom-shaped headstones ensure a deeply personal and meaningful tribute.

Inscribing Forever:

Headstone Lettering and Engravings

The inscription on a headstone is a crucial element, capturing the essence of your loved one's life and their impact on the world. Choosing the right typeface, size, and style for the lettering is essential to ensure legibility and convey the intended message clearly.

The options for headstone lettering range from traditional to modern, each with its own unique characteristics and visual appeal. Cursive or script fonts lend an air of elegance and timelessness, adding a touch of sophistication to the headstone. On the other hand, bold block lettering offers a more contemporary look, ideal for honoring those with a modern or minimalist aesthetic.

When selecting the lettering style, it is crucial to consider the material of the headstone. Different materials may have limitations in terms of the available lettering options. Professional headstone lettering companies possess the expertise and experience to guide you in making the best choices for your loved one's final resting place, ensuring a beautifully engraved tribute that will stand the test of time.

Colors that Speak:

Symbolism and Headstone Color

The color of a headstone holds deep symbolism and plays a significant role in the overall design and visual impact of the memorial. Different colors evoke various emotions and sentiments, allowing you to create a tribute that reflects your loved one's personality and spirit.

Black, a color often associated with mourning and grief, conveys a sense of solemnity and respect. It represents the depth of loss and serves as a timeless choice for honoring your loved one's memory. Gray, another popular color, symbolizes neutrality and balance, offering a subtle and understated elegance to the headstone.

White, a color associated with purity and innocence, represents the transcendence of the spirit and the eternal peace of your loved one's soul. It embodies a sense of serenity and offers a beautiful contrast against the surrounding landscape. Brown, a warm and earthy tone, signifies stability and strength, reflecting the enduring nature of your loved one's legacy.

When selecting the color of the headstone, consider the personal preferences, cultural significance, and the symbolism that resonates with your loved one's life and values. By choosing a color that holds personal meaning, you can create a memorial that beautifully encapsulates their spirit.

Embracing Uniqueness:

Exploring Different Types of Headstones

Throughout history, headstones have served as a way to mark the final resting place of our loved ones. Today, there is a wide array of headstone types available, catering to different preferences and budgets. Let's explore some of the most common types:

1. Upright Headstones: These headstones stand tall and are typically made of durable materials like granite. They offer ample space for customization, allowing for personalized inscriptions, designs, and even sculptural elements. Upright headstones are a classic choice, exuding prominence and providing a lasting tribute.
2. Grass Markers: Also known as flat grave markers or lawn-level markers, grass markers lie flush with the ground. They offer a more subtle and discreet appearance while providing essential information about your loved one. Flat markers are often made of bronze or granite, offering durability and a clean, streamlined aesthetic.
3.  Slants (Slant Markers): Similar to upright headstones, slants (slant markers) feature a slanted face. This design provides a gentle inclination, offering a unique visual appeal while maintaining the dignified presence of an upright headstone. Slant markers are an elegant choice for those seeking a blend of tradition and contemporary style.
4. Custom-made Headstones: For a truly one-of-a-kind memorial, custom-made headstones provide the opportunity to create a personalized tribute that reflects your loved one's individuality. These headstones can be crafted using unique designs, materials, and artwork to capture their passions, hobbies, or special moments. Custom-made headstones ensure a deeply personal and meaningful remembrance.
   

By selecting the type of headstone that best aligns with your preferences and resonates with your loved one's memory, you can create a tribute that stands as a testament to their unique life and legacy.

Choosing the perfect headstone involves careful consideration of various factors, such as material, size and shape, lettering and engravings, color, and type. By exploring the options available and understanding their significance, you can create a truly personalized memorial that captures the essence of your loved one's spirit. Remember, this process is an opportunity to honor their memory and celebrate their life, ensuring that their legacy endures with love and respect. 

If you are looking to customize a headstone, contact us today at (801) 224-1181 to get started.