5 tasteful and beautiful gravestone inscription ideas
Choosing an inscription for a headstone is a serious decision. In this article, we share some inspiring quotes and phrases.
When a person is buried in a cemetery, they can have a gravestone (sometimes called a "headstone" or "tombstone"). This stone tells visitors who lies in this plot of land.
All gravestones have the name and date of death of the person who died. But they can also include descriptions of the person, quotes and other phrases.
Choosing an inscription for a gravestone is a big decision. After all, you want it to be seen by generations to come. But unless the person who died made a request in their will, it's not always obvious what you should choose.
Here, then, are some general tips about choosing an inscription, followed by some ideas. We hope it helps you create a tasteful, beautiful gravestone that will last for generations.
General tips
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning the inscription for a gravestone. They come down to two key considerations: how it will sound and how it will look.
You want the inscription to reflect the personality of the person who died and the feelings of the people they've left behind. Most of the time, this will lead you to choose a timeless quote – one that would make sense to previous generations as well as generations to come.
The question of how it will look is slightly trickier. A gravestone, after all, is a physical object – it's not an audio recording. You need to choose words that look impactful and uncluttered on the stone.
There are a few ways to figure this out. First, you can involve friends and family in the decision-making process. They will be able to tell you how things look, sound and feel.
Secondly, you could visit the cemetery and take a look at other inscriptions. There, you can imagine how the gravestone will look. Finally, you can ask your funeral director or stonemason for suggestions.
Gravestone inscription ideas
1. Traditional phrases
Many gravestones include traditional phrases – the kind that have been used for generations. These tend to be simple and formal. They include:
- "Forever in our hearts"
- "Gone but not forgotten"
- "In loving memory"
- "Rest in peace"
- "Until we meet again"
There are plenty more phrases like this. Any would be suitable. They express love in a straightforward and traditional way.
2. Personalised phrases
Aside from the person's name, date of death and a traditional phrase, many gravestone inscriptions include a descriptive phrase. These phrases are there to personalise the memorial.
A phrase like this could refer to a person's family relationships: "beloved aunt", for instance, or "dearly missed husband". It could refer to their interests: gardening, say, or football. It could also say something about their values – if, for instance, they did a lot for charity.
A personalised phrase can say a lot in a few words. If you need more inspiration, you could take a look at the memorials in your local cemetery.
3. Quotations
Many gravestones feature a short quotation. This could be from poetry, scripture or another text. It could even be a quotation from the person who died.
Here is a selection of possible quotes:
- "Whither thou goest, I will go" – The Book of Ruth, 1:16
- "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?" – Percy Bysshe Shelley
- "Whoever brought me here will have to take me home" – Rumi
- "So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see / So long lives this, and this gives life to thee" – William Shakespeare
4. Humour
Sometimes, humour can be appropriate. It all hinges on whether you think the person who died would have appreciated it.
Here are some famously humorous gravestone inscriptions:
- "I'll never get out of this world alive" – Hank Williams (country singer)
- "I will not be right back after this message" – Merv Griffin (TV host)
- "I told you I was sick" – Spike Milligan (comedian)
A humorous gravestone inscription takes thought. Done right, it can be a fitting tribute to someone who loved to laugh.
Keep in mind, though, that many burial grounds have rules about what you can include on a memorial and may not allow humour. If in doubt, ask first.
5. Fonts
A gravestone inscription isn't just about the words you choose. It's also about the font.
The font you choose can change the way an inscription comes across. There are four main families of fonts: serif, sans serif, Gothic and script.
Serif fonts have small, decorative strokes. Times New Roman is a classic example. Sans serif letters, however, are made up of plain unadorned lines and dots.
Gothic fonts are the kind you might see on an old manuscript. Finally, script fonts are meant to resemble old-fashioned handwriting.
A funeral director or stonemason will be able to talk you through your options and help you choose the right font for your gravestone inscription.
Frequently asked questions
Can a gravestone be corrected?
Yes, gravestones can be re-engraved or a new inscription can be added. You should be aware, however, that you will have to pay for the service. It's one reason why it's so important to choose the right inscription in the first place.
What is the difference between a gravestone and a tombstone?
These days, the words "gravestone", "tombstone" and "headstone" are used interchangeably. They used to have different meanings, however. A gravestone was a flat stone slab marking a grave, a tombstone was placed over the tomb or coffin and a headstone was a stone slab at the head of the grave.
What does a gravestone cost?
Gravestone prices vary significantly, depending on size, material and design. You can learn more in our guide to the average cost of a headstone.
AFD is a team of funeral directors based in North London. We provide a compassionate, flexible service to people from all faiths and backgrounds. Are you planning a burial funeral? Let us guide you, step by step – from planning the ceremony to choosing a headstone. You can call us at any time on 020 8355 7876.
