Ideas for Headstone Inscriptions

About Headstone Inscriptions

As long as there have been headstones, there have been epitaphs inscribed on them. Headstones, in one form or another, have been around for centuries in North America. Around the beginning of the 16th century, pilgrims mainly used unmarked graves, but those that did have markers used a simple inscription, such as "Here lies...." Over the years, as stone replaced wooden grave markers, more elaborate epitaphs have been written.

Choosing an Inscription

A headstone inscription is probably one of the most personal decisions made when finalizing burial arrangements. If you want to be practical and are concerned about costs, then choose a simple inscription. If cost is not a factor or if there is a lot you want to put on the headstone, then choose a more elaborate inscription. Just remember that the inscription normally includes the deceased person's name and dates of birth and death. Anything else is up to you to choose.

Basic Ideas for Headstone Inscriptions

Besides the name and dates, some basic ideas for headstone inscriptions include:

• Relationship to living survivors such as beloved:
  • Mother
  • Father
  • Son
  • Daughter
  • Grandmother
  • Grandfather
  • Sister
  • Brother
  • Friend
  • Companion
  • Wife
  • Husband
• Bible passage, such as an excerpt from Psalm 23
• Short bereavement poem or saying

Many cemeteries or monument masonries will give a choice of size and color of the headstones (which today are mainly marble or granite), as well as a style of font from which to choose. However, some cemeteries have rules or bylaws that allow only certain colors and sizes of headstones. However, what you put on the headstone is your choice. Some other simple inscriptions include:

• "Rest in peace"
• "Sleeping with the angels"
• "Sadly missed"
• "In loving memory"
• "In affectionate remembrance of"
• "In loving remembrance of"
• "In memory of"
• "Precious memories of"
• "Treasured memories of"
• "Eternally loved"
• "Cherished memories of"

Extreme Headstone Inscriptions

For some, gone are the days of simply burying a loved one and writing a simple epitaph on his or her headstone. Today's grave markers also consist of long personalized inscriptions, sometimes whimsical, and sometimes a saying so unusual, only close family and friends truly understand its meaning. Here are some extravagant ideas for headstone inscriptions:

• Song lyrics
• Famous (or not-so-famous) quotes from books, movies, television shows or poems
• Jokes or riddles, which may, at times, contain profanity
• A long description of the person who died, which would include hobbies, careers and relationship to surviving family members and friends

However, many cemetery associations are cracking down on those who use profane or inappropriate language on headstone inscriptions. In some instances, headstones may have to approved before they are put in place. If you aren't sure what is allowed, contact the manager of your local cemetery.

Creating a Headstone Inscription Online

There are many places online where you can design and order a headstone, therefore being able to see

• Headstones Online
• Prestige Memorials
• Walton Memorials
• Tribute Direct
• Artisan Memorials