If you are lucky, ordering a headstone is not something you will need to do often in life. Ordering such a significant memorial for your loved one can be emotionally and logistically challenging—both because you are in a grieving state when doing so, and because it's not a process you complete very often. Here are a few tips you can follow when ordering a headstone to help simplify the process and ensure you choose the right thing.
1. Set a budget up front.
When you are grieving, it is easy to let your grief talk you into spending more than you really can afford to spend on a headstone. Your loved one does deserve the best—but not at the detriment of your finances. Be honest with yourself about how much you can afford to spend on the headstone. Write that budget down, and stick to it.
2. Have a friend help you shop.
Since shopping for and ordering a headstone will be emotionally challenging, make sure you let a trusted friend help you with the process. You can bounce ideas off this friend, and they can help make sure you stick to your budget, too. They can even lend you a shoulder to cry on and speak for you when you may be unable to get words out.
3. Pick a few customization options, but don't get overwhelmed.
Many headstone companies have begun offering so many different customization options that it's easy to get overwhelmed. You can choose from 15 different borders, 122 different fonts, 12 background colors, and so forth. Do not feel as though you have to customize every option. It's perfectly fine to choose a more basic stone and just include a few special touches.
4. Try to match other family stones.
To get inspiration for the headstone design, try looking at the stones that have been chosen for other family members hopefully those who have been buried nearby. Matching your stone to those headstones will take the pressure off of you since you won't have to make as many choices. For example, if all other family stones are gray with Times New Roman font, you can do the same. Then, all you have to customize are the words!
With the tips above, you will have an easier time choosing a headstone that honors your loved one. Reach out to your funeral director, or to establishments like Maurice Moore Memorials, if you need additional guidance.
Share31 May 2018
My beloved paternal grandmother passed away almost 4 years ago. Before her death, this special woman suffered many months due to a fatal lung disease. After her passing, her large extended family wanted to celebrate her unique life with an elaborate funeral service. They chose to work with the funeral home staff to decorate the funeral venue with things she loved. Because she enjoyed fishing, a large floral arrangement in the shape of a fish was purchased. Also, the family bought a floral cross to illustrate her devotion to her faith. On this blog, you will discover how to work with a funeral home staff on decorations at the funeral service venue.
