Headstones & Stone Memorials

Choosing a Headstone or Memorials

Having a memorial is a way of saying ‘you are gone, but not forgotten’. It can be somewhere to go to feel closer to the person, a place to gather and remember.

Headstones and stone memorials come in all shapes and sizes, from simple marker plaques to unique handcrafted headstones. Deciding on the right memorial can take time. There is no need to rush or feel pressured to do something straight away. Allow your self to grieve first and then, when the time is right, start to think about the different options. We hope that the ideas below may help with this process.

Creating a meaningful headstone or stone memorial can be a deeply personal and beautiful way to honor a loved one. Here are some inspirational ideas for headstones and memorials: 

Traditional and Classic Headstones

Traditional headstones tend to be made of granite, marble or limestone. They are simple, with minimal text and perhaps a symbol, such as a dove, cross, or tree of life, and a tribute or quotation. 

Stone Plaques and Markers

Stone plaques and markers can be used in a number of places. They may be used in a private or public memorial garden, on a building or another public space.

Nature-Inspired Memorials

Nature-inspired memorials might have carvings symbolizing life, growth, and renewal. Trees, flowers or leaves engraved into the stone can represent the connection to nature. Favourite animals or insects, such as butterflies, may also be incorporated into the design. 

Memorial stones can be incorporated into a rock garden, planted with favourite flowers and plants.

Symbolic and Spiritual Memorials

Symbolic and spiritual elements often feature on headstones and stone memorials. Here are some popular options and what they can represent:

Personalised and Creative Stone Memorials

For someone who wants something unique or a little different, a stonecarver or stonemason can custom make a memorial according to your wishes. However large or small, they will work closely alongside you and guide you through the process.

These days, there is a greater range of styles and designs for memorials and headstones. It is lovely to create something unique to your person, with carefully thought out words and images.

The type of headstone or stone memorial you choose will largely be a matter of personal choice. However, if the memorial is going to be in a public space or in a burial ground or cemetery, do check with them to see whether they have any rules and restrictions around memorialisation.

Find Further Helpful Information About Stonemason and Memorials

Find more information about choosing a memorial in our Information about Stonemason and Memorials.Or for comprehensive information about planning a funeral, celebration of life, or memorials service, please see whiteballoon’s Funeral Planning Information.

Find Suppliers of Headstones & Stone Memorials in the whiteballoon Community

If you would like to find suppliers of headstones and memorials, please go to our Provider Directory for Stonemasons & Memorials.