Grave monuments are used to mark the final resting places of people who have passed away. They can be large or small, simple or ornate. You can purchase a custom grave monument from a funeral home. When you order a grave monument, these are four features you can incorporate:
1. Engravings
Engravings allow you to personalize a grave monument. Grave monuments are typically engraved with a person's name, birth date, and death date. Many people also choose to include a short description of the deceased, such as father, mother, wife, husband, or son. You can also choose to have a meaningful epitaph inscribed on a grave to provide comfort and provoke thought in passersby. Grave monuments can be engraved by hand or with the assistance of computer-directed lasers to ensure precision.
2. Custom Shapes
Grave monuments can be constructed in almost any shape. Rectangular monuments are popular as grave markers, but you can also choose a monument with beveled edges. Some people choose to have grave monuments constructed in unusual shapes that express the personality and interests of the deceased. Heart-shaped monuments can be used to commemorate the lives of married couples who have passed. A funeral home director can show you some grave monument samples that you can use to make your decision.
3. Photographs
Grave monuments can be personalized in other ways besides simple engravings. Photographs can be added to grave monuments to create visual records of deceased loved ones. Ceramic tiles are used to print photographs that will one day adorn grave monuments. Ceramic is durable and waterproof, and it's an excellent canvas for full-color photographic prints. You can also choose to have your loved one's likeness captured in black and white if you prefer the timeless look of grayscale. When choosing a photo for a grave monument, make sure to select a photograph that represents your loved one the way you'd like them to be remembered.
4. Sculptures
Grave monuments can also feature sculptures. Sculptures can be added to existing headstones, or they can be part of the headstone itself. Angels are a popular feature in many grave monument sculptures. Flowers and other plants can also be added to grave monuments to create pieces of enduring beauty that can remain at your loved one's final resting place. Sculptures are often made from granite or marble, just like grave monuments themselves. You can choose from a selection of premade sculptures or commission a custom sculpture to be created to your specifications. Look into local businesses near you that deal with monuments.
