5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Gravestone

Losing a loved one is never easy, and neither are the difficult decisions that follow.

Deciding how to bury a loved one comes with many different factors to consider. During the 19th century in Canada, many gravestones were made from Italian marble in the shape of angels with wings and cherubs.

However, with harsh weather conditions, these beautiful monuments lost wings and noses over time, from freezing and thawing.

If you're buying a gravestone for your loved one, there are certain things to take into account. The right gravestone can help you grieve your loss and keep your memories alive.

Keep reading to learn more about buying gravestones for loved ones and how to honour the memory of the dearly departed.

1. Consider the Location

Choosing a cemetery is an important part of deciding on a gravestone. Certain cemeteries have rules about the types of headstones that you can have on the grounds. In some cases, they have size and layout limitations in certain cemeteries.

You also want to honour the wishes of your deceased loved ones and how they wish to be buried. If they wished for a certain type of burial that the cemetery does not offer, you might consider changing the location.

2. Decide on a Budget

Deciding on a budget will make all of the subsequent decisions about the gravestone much easier.

Gravestones vary in price depending on the size, shape, and type of material. Know your budget when comparing gravestone prices, and you will be able to make decisions more effectively.

3. Choose the Type of Material

Gravestones come in various materials, including marble, bronze, granite, limestone, and iron steel. There are other metals available but they might not be strong enough to withstand the weather elements.

The type of material you choose for the gravestone will be determined by your budget and your location. With harsh winters in Calgary, you want to opt for stronger materials.

4. Select the Shape and Size

There are several different gravestone sizes and shapes. If you're working with a family plot, you can choose the size of the gravestone freely. Installing a gravestone in a public cemetery might limit your space.

Somerville Memorials can help you honour the memory of your loved one with gravestones in Calgary.

5. Personalize Inscription and Design

Inscriptions and designs for gravestones are generally personalized. The purpose is to offer insight and snippets of who the person was. You can include:

⦿ Their name

⦿ Their date of birth and death

⦿ Inspirational quotes

⦿ Religious sayings

⦿ Words about who they were like sister, brother, mother, friend

You can customize these words with a font of your choice. This will be where you and your family come to visit your deceased loved one, so you want to make it as personal as possible.

What to Know Before Buying a Gravestone for a Loved One

Grieving the loss of a loved one can be devastating. A personalized gravestone is a way that you can help keep their memory alive. When you are buying a gravestone, remember to choose the right location, set a budget, decide on the material, consider the size, and personalize the inscription.

If you've recently lost a loved one, you can create a personalized gravestone for your loved one in Calgary with the help of Somerville Memorials.