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A Guide to Choosing the Right Headstone for a Loved One

One thing to think about is choosing the appropriate headstone for a loved one or close friend to honor their memories for many years. Giving them recognition for a memorable experience is one way to do this. However, the choice of the perfect monument is not that simple considering the gravestone's design must convey the characteristics of the deceased as well as their life's experiences. Numerous aspects could be involved, including knowing the cemetery's regulations, having a budget, selecting appropriate materials, and picking a trustworthy provider. At Metropolis Monuments, we take pride not only in creating new monuments but also in preserving the timeless beauty of your loved one's memorial.

Nevertheless, we will give you information that may help you decide your ways of commemorating memories. Here are the steps you can consider.

8 Steps to Choosing a Headstone 

1. Set a Budget

The cost of the headstone is among the most crucial factors to take into account. Your choice may be influenced by variations in size, material, and customization. Creating a budget helps you make fewer choices.

2. Check Cemetery Regulations

Certain cemeteries have regulations pertaining to the dimensions, composition, and design of headstones. To prevent disputes when your loved ones are buried, it's also critical to understand the cemetery's policies and procedures.

3. Explore Types of Headstones

It’s time for you to explore your choices of headstones. Let me give you an overview of the styles you can consider.

  • Upright Headstones: Traditional, vertical monuments often made of granite or marble.
  • Flat Markers: Rectangular stones laid flat on the ground, available in materials like granite or bronze.
  • Slant Markers:Stones with a sloped face that stand upright, typically installed on a base.
  • Bevel Markers - Also known as pillow markers, these are flat but slanted so the back edge is taller than the front.
  • Ledger Markers - Full-length stones that cover the entire grave, offering ample space for inscriptions.

4. Choose the Style and Material

Decide on a traditional upright, flat marker, or another style that fits the cemetery regulations and your preferences. The durability and appearance of a headstone depend largely on its material.

  • Granite: Highly durable with various color options, making it a popular choice.
  • Marble: Offers a smooth, polished appearance but may require more maintenance and is less durable over time.
  • Limestone: Softer and less durable, often developing a weathered look.

5. Select a Type of Finish

The finish affects both the aesthetics and maintenance of the headstone.

  • Polished: Smooth and shiny, requiring minimal maintenance.
  • Part-Polished: Polished only on specific areas like the inscription, highlighting certain details.
  • Honed: Smooth but non-reflective, offering a subdued appearance.
  • Pitched: Rough, natural edges achieved through chiseling, providing a rustic look.

6. Decide on Your Inscription

The inscription is one of the most enduring and intimate components of a headstone. It should meaningfully and enduringly convey the essence of your loved one's life. Select a meaningful message, name, dates, and any additional engravings. The tribute can be made even more unique by adding engravings, artwork, or symbols. In the end, the inscription ought to provide solace to visitors while conserving the memory of the deceased for future generations.

  • Personal Details: Include the deceased's name, birth, and death dates.
  • Epitaphs: Choose a phrase, quote, or verse that encapsulates their life or beliefs.
  • Symbol: Incorporate religious symbols, flowers, or images that held significance to them.

7. Select Your Supplier

Work with a reputable monument company that offers quality craftsmanship. You should check with Metropolis Monuments, which will offer everything you need. Your preferences matter by creating new monuments but also in preserving the timeless beauty of existing memorials through our meticulous restoration services.

8. Review and Approve a Draft

Request a headstone design draft before making a final decision. Examine every detail carefully, including dates, spellings, and design components. This stage guarantees that the finished result reflects your vision and properly pays tribute to your loved one's memories.
You can build a lasting tribute that honors your loved one's distinct life and legacy by carefully weighing each of these steps.

Connect with Us for Guidance

At Metropolis Monuments, we specialises in creating individualized memorials. We provide a range of types, such as lawn, double, and single monuments, as well as repair services and bespoke monument designs. To help you to respect your loved ones with dignity, we also offer vaults, accessories, and color personalization. Our experts and staff are prepared to provide you considerate and knowledgeable assistance if you're looking for direction in selecting the ideal tribute. Metropolis Monuments is delighted to help you remember your loved ones by providing the highest caliber granite headstones available in Sydney and Melbourne. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, you can be sure that Metropolis has the knowledge and expertise to meet your needs.

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For over three decades, our family has been crafting enduring monuments that speak to the profound stories of those who have departed.
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Metropolis Monuments

Welcome to Metropolis Monuments, a cherished legacy in the heart of Sydney, NSW and Melbourne, VIC, where the art of stonemasonry meets the warmth of family. For over three decades, our family has been crafting enduring monuments that speak to the profound stories of those who have departed. Metropolis Monuments is a family owned business, led by second-generation stonemasons with decades of experience in the monumental industry.
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At Metropolis Monuments, our commitment to excellence is deeply rooted in a legacy of stonemasonry that spans generations. Our expert team brings a wealth of experience honed over the years, crafting enduring monuments that stand as testaments to our family's passion and dedication.

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