Design Considerations of a Headstone
Take a walk in any cemetery and you will see a plethora of headstone types, styles, and designs. These important markers not only identify who is as rest there but also serve as a tribute and a way to honor that person. Because of this, families take great care in selecting the perfect headstone for their loved ones. When you are ready to design your loved one’s headstone, follow these tips from directors of funeral homes in Streamwood, IL to ease the design process.
One thing to note first and foremost is to always check with your cemetery before you begin any design on the headstone. This is because many cemeteries have very specific rules on what is allowed and what isn’t. This may be true for the material of the headstone or even the type or design. Make sure you are clear on what is permitted.
Set a Budget
Before you begin looking at headstones, it’s important to know what you can, and can’t, afford. Setting a budget can help you stay on track and ensure you do not overspend only to regret it later. Set a budget and let the headstone provider know your range so they can help you stay within what is comfortable.
Select the Material for the Headstone
Once you know your budget, you will need to select the type of material you wish the headstone to be made from. Some popular choices include granite, sandstone, marble, and bronze just to name a few. Each of these materials will come in at a different price point, have a different design aesthetic, as well as hold up to the elements in different ways. When choosing the materials, talk with the headstone provider to make sure it’s the best choice for your needs.
Choosing the Color
Some material of headstones is available in different colors. Depending on what materials you select, you may have different colors to choose from. Colors could range from white, pink, grey, and more.
Decide What Shape the Headstone Will Be
Heart? Cross? Oval? Today headstones can be cut into a variety of shapes. Some headstones can even have a bench cut into them so it provides a place to sit and reflect when visiting the gravesite. Decide what shape you would like the headstone to be.
Select Extremal Embellishments
Once the main design of the headstone has been decided, you will have options for extra decorative elements. These could include things like a porcelain portrait of your loved one to sculptural elements such as birds, hearts, angels, wings, or anything else you may design.
Deciding on the Font
The last design element is the lettering. You might choose a feminine curvy font for your mother, while if it is for your dad, you may choose a more standard print font. Whatever font you choose, just make sure it is legible as you want people to able to read the lettering.
If you would like more information about designing your loved one’s headstone or other services from funeral homes in Streamwood, IL, give us a call or come by anytime as we are here to help.