The process of designing a headstone for a loved one is deeply personal and significant. It's a way to honor their memory and create a lasting tribute that captures their essence, values, and the love shared between them and their family. When considering custom cemetery headstones, it's important to be aware of the various options available in terms of size and shape. This choice not only reflects the personality of your loved one but also ensures the memorial stands as a dignified marker for generations to come.

Traditional Headstone Shapes

Headstones have come a long way since their inception, evolving from simple slabs of stone to the highly personalized designs we see today. Despite the many customization options, traditional shapes remain popular due to their timeless elegance. Here are some of the most common traditional shapes:

Upright Headstones

Upright headstones are the most traditional style, consisting of two parts: a base and a tablet (or die). The tablet is the vertical part that carries the inscription, and it can be crafted in a variety of shapes, though the most common is rectangular with a serpentine, round, or flat top.

This classic shape offers a sense of permanence and dignity and ample space for engraving personal messages, artwork, and symbols. Upright headstones are typically crafted from granite, a durable material that can withstand the elements for decades.

Flat or Lawn-Level Markers

As the name suggests, flat markers lie flush with the ground. These cemetery headstones are rectangular or square and often provide a clean, minimalist look. Flat markers are popular in cemeteries, where specific regulations restrict headstone sizes and styles.

While they are simpler in design, flat markers can still be customized with personal engravings and even bronze plaques. Their size varies but usually offers enough space for a name, date of birth, and date of death, along with a brief epitaph.

Pillow Markers

Pillow markers are similar to flat markers but with a slight slant. They are usually installed above ground instead of flush. The back edge is higher than the front, creating a subtle angle that makes inscriptions more visible from a distance. This option combines the simplicity of flat markers with enhanced visibility and a more dynamic appearance.

Slant Headstones

Slant headstones are a hybrid between upright and flat markers. They sit on a base like an upright headstone, but the front of the tablet slants back at an angle, providing an angled surface for engraving. This option gives the appearance of an upright stone but offers a softer, less imposing look.

Unlike other markers, slant markers may have nosing, a non-slanted surface at the bottom couple of inches of the marker. Altogether, a slant’s angled design makes it easier to read the inscription while offering a unique alternative to traditional upright headstones.

Custom Shapes for Headstones

While traditional headstones are beautiful and timeless, many families opt for custom shapes that better reflect their loved one's personality, interests, or beliefs. Custom cemetery headstones are a meaningful way to create a unique and lasting tribute. Some of the most common custom shapes include:

Heart-Shaped Headstones

Heart-shaped headstones are a popular choice for expressing love and devotion. This shape often commemorates spouses, partners, or children, symbolizing the eternal bond shared with the deceased. Heart-shaped headstones can be crafted in a variety of sizes and may feature additional custom elements such as flowers, wedding rings, or religious symbols.

Because of their symbolic nature, heart-shaped headstones are often placed in sections of the cemetery reserved for family or companion plots.

Cross or Religious Symbol Headstones

For those wishing to express their faith, headstones can be crafted in the shape of a cross or other religious symbols. A cross-shaped headstone, for example, is often used to commemorate devout Christians, while other faiths may opt for symbols like the Star of David or a lotus flower.

Religious symbol headstones visually represent the deceased's beliefs and offer comfort to those visiting the grave. These designs can be as simple or ornate as the family desires, with additional engravings or carvings to further personalize the tribute.

Custom Artistic Shapes

Some families choose to forgo traditional shapes in favor of highly personalized, artistic designs. Custom artistic shapes can range from simple modifications to traditional forms to entirely unique concepts that reflect the deceased's passions, hobbies, or profession.

For example, a headstone shaped like a guitar might commemorate a musician, while a headstone in the shape of a tree could represent a nature lover. These designs require careful planning and craftsmanship, but the result is a one-of-a-kind memorial that tells a story about the individual it represents.

Considerations for Size and Proportion

Along with shape, the size of the headstone is a critical consideration. The size not only impacts the design and the amount of space available for inscriptions but also plays a role in how the memorial fits within the cemetery landscape.

Standard Sizes for Headstones

There are no universal standards for headstone sizes, as each cemetery may have its own height, width, and thickness regulations. However, some common sizes include:

• Single Upright Headstone: This size is typically 24-36 inches tall, 20-30 inches wide, and 6-8inches thick. It is used for individual graves and offers enough space for a name, dates, and a brief inscription.
• Companion Upright Headstone: Often 36-48 inches wide, 20-30 inches tall, and 4-8 inches thick. Companion headstones are designed to commemorate two people, typically a married couple, and provide ample space for both names and additional engravings.
• Flat Marker: Usually 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 3-4 inches thick. Flat markers are used for individual and companion graves but are, on average, more limited in space than upright headstones.

Cemetery Regulations on Size

Before finalizing a design, it's essential to check with the cemetery regarding their regulations. Some cemeteries have strict rules about the size and type of headstone allowed in certain sections, particularly in memorial parks where uniformity is often required.

These regulations may affect your choice of material, size, and even the level of ornamentation. At Quiring Monuments, we are familiar with many cemetery guidelines and can help you design a headstone that not only honors your loved one but also complies with all necessary rules.

Balance and Proportion

When choosing the size of the headstone, balance and proportion are important. The size should be appropriate for the plot and the surrounding area. A headstone that is too large may overshadow neighboring graves, while one that is too small may seem insignificant or difficult to read.

Our experienced designers at Quiring Monuments can help you find the right balance between size and design, ensuring the headstone stands as a fitting tribute without overwhelming its surroundings.

Personalizing Your Headstone with Engravings and Additions

Once you have chosen the size and shape of the headstone, the next step is to personalize it with engravings, artwork, and other design elements. 

Text and Inscriptions

The inscription on a headstone typically includes the name of the deceased, their date of birth, and their date of death. However, many families choose to add personal messages, quotes, or religious verses that hold special meaning.

When deciding on the text, consider the amount of space available on the headstone and the font style. A larger headstone provides more space for detailed inscriptions, while smaller headstones may require more concise wording.

Engraved Artwork and Symbols

Beyond text, many families choose to incorporate engraved artwork or symbols into the design. This could include religious symbols, floral motifs, or images representing the deceased's hobbies, profession, or personality.

For example, a fisherman might have an engraving of a fish or a fishing rod, while an avid gardener might have floral engravings. These elements add a deeply personal touch and create a visual connection between the headstone and the person it memorializes.

Bronze Plaques and Photographs

Some headstones feature bronze plaques, which can display additional information, artwork, or even photographs. Bronze plaques are durable and weather-resistant, making them a lasting addition to any headstone. Photographs are often set in ceramic or glass, allowing for a visual representation of the deceased.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Headstone

Another important consideration is the material used for a headstone, as it affects both the appearance and durability of the memorial. Granite is the most common material used for custom headstones due to its durability and versatility.

Granite Headstones

Granite is the most popular material for headstones because of its strength, durability, and variety of color options. It's available in many shades, including gray, black, pink, and blue, allowing further customization.

Granite can withstand harsh weather conditions without fading or deteriorating, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting memorials. The surface of granite can also be polished, creating a smooth finish for detailed engravings and carvings.

Marble Headstones

Marble is another popular headstone material known for its smooth texture and elegant appearance. While marble is softer than granite and more susceptible to weathering, it is often chosen for its unique veining and classic beauty.

Families who choose marble for their headstones often appreciate its timeless, refined look. However, it's important to note that marble may require more maintenance to preserve its appearance over time.

Bronze Headstones

Bronze headstones are often chosen for flat or slant markers, particularly in cemeteries with strict regulations. Bronze is highly durable and can be molded into intricate designs, making it an excellent choice for plaques and additional design elements.

Many families choose to pair bronze with granite bases for a combination of durability and elegance. Bronze headstones are low-maintenance and resistant to tarnishing, making them a practical option for long-lasting memorials.

Shop Headstones with Us Today

Designing a custom headstone is a deeply personal and meaningful process. The size, shape, and material you choose will ensure your loved one's memory is preserved in a dignified and beautiful way. At Quiring Monuments, we understand the importance of this decision, and we are here to help you create a lasting tribute that reflects the unique qualities of your loved one.

With decades of experience and compassion, we offer personalized memorial services, excellent design, and trustworthy manufacturing to ensure your loved one's memory is honored. You deserve nothing less than outstanding service when choosing the right solution for your family. In moments like these, you deserve the best. Contact us today to learn how we can help you design a custom headstone that will stand the test of time.