Headstones: A Guide to Choosing a Meaningful and Lasting Memorial

Choosing a headstone is an important part of creating a lasting tribute to someone you love. A headstone not only identifies a gravesite but also preserves a person’s memory, celebrates their life, and provides a meaningful place for family and friends to visit for generations.

At Watts, we understand that selecting a headstone can be an emotional and sometimes overwhelming experience. This guide explains the different types of headstones, materials, personalization options, and important considerations to help families make an informed decision.

What are headstones?

Headstones are permanent memorial markers placed at a gravesite to commemorate a loved one. They traditionally include important information such as a person’s name and dates of birth and passing, but they can also feature meaningful words, artwork, symbols, and photographs.

• Full name and dates
• Epitaphs or meaningful sayings
• Religious symbols
• Floral or nature designs
• Military insignia
• Portraits or custom artwork
• Family names or additional inscriptions

Whether simple or highly detailed, a headstone can be designed to reflect the personality, beliefs, and life of the individual being remembered.

Types of headstones

Families have several headstone styles to choose from depending on cemetery requirements, personal preferences, and budget.

Upright headstones are among the most traditional memorial choices. They typically feature a vertical stone set on a base, providing plenty of space for names, dates, inscriptions, and artwork.

Flat headstones, sometimes called grass markers, are installed level with the ground. Their simple design provides an understated appearance and can be an excellent option for cemeteries that require flush markers.

Slant headstones have a face that angles upward, making the inscription easy to see while maintaining a lower profile than a traditional upright memorial.

Companion headstones are designed to commemorate two people, often spouses or other family members. They provide a unified memorial for individuals sharing a cemetery plot.

Custom headstones provide the greatest flexibility. Families can select unique shapes, designs, carvings, images, and inscriptions to create a memorial that is truly personal.

Selecting the right material

The material of a headstone affects its appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements.

Granite is one of the most popular materials for headstones. It is exceptionally durable, available in a variety of colors, and capable of supporting detailed engraving and artwork.

Bronze offers a classic appearance and is often used with granite bases. It can be especially well suited to flat memorials and plaques.

Marble has a traditional and elegant appearance. However, it may be more susceptible to weathering over time depending on the environment and location.

We can help families select a material that fits their desired appearance while meeting cemetery requirements.

Ways to personalize a headstone

Personalization transforms a standard memorial into a unique reflection of a loved one’s life.

• Custom lettering and fonts
• Religious or spiritual symbols
• Flowers, trees, landscapes, or other artwork
• Military symbols and service information
• Portraits and detailed etchings
• Personal messages or epitaphs

The right combination of these elements can tell a story and preserve details that made a loved one special.

What to consider before choosing a headstone

Before ordering a headstone, it is important to understand the cemetery’s requirements. Some cemeteries have specific rules regarding dimensions, materials, colors, designs, and installation.

• Cemetery regulations
• Overall budget
• Memorial size and style
• Desired personalization
• Installation requirements
• Future family memorial plans

An experienced memorial provider can help ensure the finished headstone meets cemetery guidelines and reflects the family’s wishes.

Create a lasting tribute

A headstone is more than a marker at a gravesite. It is a lasting symbol of remembrance that can preserve a loved one’s name, story, and legacy for generations.

We are committed to helping families create beautiful, durable headstones with care and attention to detail. From traditional designs to fully customized memorials, our family is here to guide you through the process and help you create a tribute that honors your loved one.