Headstone Wording
It is likely that at some point in your life you may be faced with the task of composing some meaningful and heartfelt words for an engraving on a headstone to commemorate your mother, father, spouse, or other near relative or friend.
Choosing the wording can be daunting as the pressure to make sure you select the right words to reflect the person in the right way can feel like a big task. One positive is that headstones are not introduced to the place of burial until a few months after which gives a little more time to carefully consider the choice of words you would like to have engraved onto their grave. We would suggest sitting down with other friends and family members to come to a decision together or maybe get their opinion on your existing thoughts and ideas for the engraving.
Many opt for a brief epitaph which details how the person who has passed was a loving and wonderful grandparent, parent, spouse or friend. On the other hand, it is usual for the chosen inscription to be more personable and reflect the beliefs and personality of their loved one.
We hope that this article will provide some inspiration and ideas for your engraving and features suggested inscriptions and epitaphs derived from short sayings, quotations from poetry, the Bible and Shakespearean literature.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team about the potential options when adding an inscription to a headstone, get in contact with us today and we will be more than happy to help in any way we can.
Choosing the Inscription for the Headstone
Coming up with the perfect sequence of words for a headstone inscription is the outcome everyone wants. However, if the epitaph is to be placed in a churchyard memorial, it first needs to be approved by the vicar. There are stringent rules and regulations set out by each individual Diocese, so it is definitely worth studying and taking note of these before making your final choice on the wording of the inscription.
Each Diocese has its own set of regulations but they are usually all very similar. If the vicar does not support the application then it is unlikely that the inscription will be approved. A top tip is to do some research on popular phrases often found on headstones and to use this as inspiration. If it is in keeping with Christian values and beliefs, it is more likely to be approved.
Some well-known epitaphs:
- A long life well lived.
- Always together.
- Always loving, always loved.
- At peace.
- At rest.
- A beloved mother/father/husband/wife.
- Forever in our hearts.
- Great love lives on.
- Generous of heart, constant of faith.
- In loving memory.
- Loved and remembered.
- May his/her memory be eternal.
- Remembered with love.
- Rest in peace.
- Together again.
- Until we are together again.
- Until we meet again.
Quotations
Picking out a particular quotation from a piece of literature is a popular choice and can be a personal and thoughtful way to pay respects and remember a person. Taking inspiration from poems, hymns or the bible can be a good place to build on some ideas and perhaps find something appropriate.
Make it Personal
Ultimately, you will want the choice of words to feel right and like a true reflection of the person who has passed away. You’ll want to make sure that they would approve of the chosen epitaph and taking time to make sure you have made the right choice is our best advice. Make the inscription personal to them and you, perhaps even include some humour or something that will put a smile on your face when you and others who knew the person read it.
Our team of professionals will be happy to give any guidance or advice when it comes to choosing the inscription for the headstone of your loved one. If you would like to talk through the options or discuss any other enquiries you may have, get in touch today.
Recent Posts
- Funeral Poems & Epitaphs
- Choosing a Headstone & Epitaph
- The Types of Headstones That Are Available
- Funeral traditions from around the world
- From Then to Now: The History of the Headstone
- Headstone Designs
- Headstone Wording
- Helping a Bereaved Friend When You Can’t Be There in Person
- Overcoming Your Fear Of Funerals
- Going Back To Work After Bereavement
Recent Comments