Choosing the Right Words for a Headstone

Choosing the right words for a Headstone is never easy as how do you sum up the life of someone in a few words. It is a good idea to wait for perhaps up to a year to discuss with family and friends what would be an appropriate epitaph for the deceased.

It is recommended that inscriptions should be simple and appropriate. A epitaph usually includes the person’s name, dates of birth and death and a meaningful quotation, poem, song or Bible verse. It should be timeless and dignified and summarise the deceased’s life in a few words. Here are some commonly used phrases:

Rest in Peace

In Loving Memory of

Forever in Our thoughts

Tresured Memories of

Cherished Memories of

Precious Memories of

With Love, We Remember

Loving Memories of

Remembered Always

In God’s Keeping

Sadly missed

Forever in Our Hearts

Always in Our Thoughts

With Love Always and Forever

Dearly Loved, Sadly missed

Till We Meet Again

https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/help-resources/arranging-a-funeral/funeral-guides/inscriptions-for-headstones

DATES OF BIRTH AND DEATH ON A HEADSTONE

There are a variety of ways to record the dates of birth and death with the age of the deceased, and here are some suggestions:

Died 14 December 2014, Aged 65 years

Passed Away 23 February 2013, Aged 66 years

Fell Asleep 19th May 2017, Aged 83

Who Passed Away 12th July, 1984, Aged 70 years

Died 13.12.2012, Aged 70

Fell Asleep 4th October 2019 in his 87th year

Born 5th February 1920, Died 15th July 1992

Called to Rest, 15th June 2016, Aged 91

CHURCH AND CEMETERY RULES AND REGULATIONS

When deciding about a Headstone, it is important to discuss the process with the Vicar or Minister of the Church or Cemetery as there are a range of church and cemetery rules about Headstones and wording.  In Scotland, the liar is a plot in a graveyard where members of the family can be buried, and there are a variety of regulations that need to be addressed which also include wording.

You will also need to think about the type of stone to use. Granite, Limestone and White Marble all wear well which is important especially in Scotland because of the weather.

It is also important to think about the type of font to use. The Roman font is the most popular as its clear and easy to carve. Highly stylised script is not so good as its difficult to read and does not weather well.

Many people may also decide to add a small relief to the Headstone. In Scotland, the use of the Scottish Thistle or a Celtic Cross is popular. The relief can be either made in low or high relief.Simon Burns-Cox is a professional Sculptor and Letter Carver based in Edinburgh. He makes all types of handcarved Headstones, Memorials and Gravestones in a variety of stone. If you would like to discuss your requirements, please contact Simon through his website at http://simonburnscox.co.uk/

CHOOSING A HEADSTONE

When it comes to choosing a Headstone, there are a few things you will need to consider at this difficult time. Do not try to rush into making a decision immediately. It is better to wait for at least six months to a year or more before you decide on how to commemorate the loved one.

Discuss with your family and friends on what would be an appropriate epitaph for the deceased. Think about how you would like the person to be remembered and what would be the most appropriate wording.WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER

You should think about what inscription you would like, as this will dictate the size, shape and style of the Headstone. Some people choose poems, short text or just a few words. The style of the lettering will also need to be considered as this  will take up space. Will it be san serif, a modern script or Italics which are more relaxed ?

You will also need to decide whether you want  the Headstone to be of a modern or traditional design either with a complex relief or just a simple stone? Often the more simple Headstone can be the more moving.

You may want to have a relief or carving included on the Headstone. There are many symbols which have been used on Headstones over the centuries representing love, peace or eternal life.

CARVED SYMBOLS

An angel symbolizes the messenger between God and man while a bird or dove represents peace and love. A heart symbolizes life, love and immortality while the poppy represents death, eternal sleep and peace. In Scotland, The Celtic Cross or Thistle is very popular.

It is important to decide on what type of stone should be used for the Headstone. Do you want it light or dark in colour ? It will also need to be resistant to the climate as it will be in the churchyard for a long time.

Like all things in life, you will also need to think about the rules and regulations. All churchyards have different requirements so it is important to find out.

SIMON BURNS-COX SCULPTOR AND LETTER CARVER

If you would like to discuss your requirements, please contact Simon Burns-Cox who is a Sculptor and Letter Carver based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Simon makes Bespoke Gravestones, Memorials and Headstone in all sizes and dimensions and will be happy to guide you through the decisions at this difficult time. Simon can be contacted through his website at http://simonburnscox.co.uk/

chevron-down