Things To Consider When Organising a Memorial
Organising a memorial is a task that can be quite daunting, and thankfully one we do not do too often. The design and features of a memorial are completely up to personal preference. Here are a few things that may be considered before talking to a stonemason.
Full Memorial or Lawn Headstone & Base
If the plot being purchased for a memorial is in a lawn cemetery, a lawn headstone and base or a desk headstone may be purchased. This will depend on what the cemetery regulations will allow. If the plot is in a land section of the cemetery, there is then the choice between a full monument or a headstone and base. A full monument will be more expensive, but will cover the full length and width of the grave and will help to maintain a well presented grave site.
If the plot being purchased for a memorial is in a lawn cemetery, a lawn headstone and base or a desk headstone may be purchased. This will depend on what the cemetery regulations will allow. If the plot is in a land section of the cemetery, there is then the choice between a full monument or a headstone and base. A full monument will be more expensive, but will cover the full length and width of the grave and will help to maintain a well presented grave site.
Stone Type
After choosing a type of memorial, a stone type can be considered. East Coast Monumental Services specialise in granite, sandstone, marble and bluestone and all of these materials are readily available. The materials used will depend upon the style of the monument desired. Styles include; earthy and natural, all polished, and traditional. The finish of the monument may be affected by the type of stone used as sandstone and bluestone cannot be polished.
Another option is to combine stone types; for example, a sandstone monument with a granite headstone and slab. Stone Colour
Again the stone type chosen affects which stone colours are available. If granite is chosen, there is a large selection available including; blacks, reds, browns, blues, greens and greys. When using marble, white marble is mainly used. If however a particular colour or pattern is desired, arrangements can be made. The more natural sandstone is available locally in a range of pink, red, purple and sandy colours. The colour of the sandstone will depend on what has been quarried and what is available from suppliers at the time of enquiry. As with stone types, stone colours may be used in combination.
Australia has a large range of granite colours to choose from. Below is only a small selection of Australian and Imported stone. If a colour you like is not in the samples below, we will try to find the colour for you. (Stone is a product of nature and subject to variation in colour and texture. These samples should be considered as only generally representative of their type. We have samples of the Granite and Stone in our office for viewing.) |
Caution: Some computers and printers may produce variations from the true colour.
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Headstone Shape
When it comes to memorials there are a large number of headstone shapes to choose from. Some are simple, and some are quite unique. Usually, there is no extra charge to change the shape of a headstone from a rectangular one into something different. If you feel you would prefer to even design the shape of the headstone, we are more than happy to work with you and accommodate your ideas.
The headstone shape will depend on a number of factors including: -The amount of lettering -Any design work -Photographs used A fancier style headstone may not leave a lot of room for a large inscription or extras, such as designs. Below are some headstone shapes. |
Inscription/Lettering
The inscription is very important when organising a memorial. The words that are used convey what this person meant and how they touched the lives of others. There is no right or wrong when deciding what will be in the lettering.
A few suggestions include:
-In Loving Memory Of, Treasured Memories Of, Cherished Memories Of
-01-01-1908 – 01-01-1999 or Died 01 January 1999, Aged 91.
Other things to consider are:
-Will there be any maiden names on the headstone?
-Are there any special quotes or sayings that this person enjoyed which may be incorporated, or any bible verses?
-Is there a spouse, children, siblings, grandchildren or parents to be mentioned on the headstone?
-Additional Internments. Will there be additional details (eg, a second person’s name and dates to be added later?) If so, space will need to be left.
In all cases of wording a proof of the proposed lettering is given, which may be adjusted. Alternatively, the lettering can be worded and set up in a number of ways and then the most suitable option chosen. A source of inspiration may be a visit to the cemetery to look at other memorials and choose words that sound and look right for the family.
A few suggestions include:
-In Loving Memory Of, Treasured Memories Of, Cherished Memories Of
-01-01-1908 – 01-01-1999 or Died 01 January 1999, Aged 91.
Other things to consider are:
-Will there be any maiden names on the headstone?
-Are there any special quotes or sayings that this person enjoyed which may be incorporated, or any bible verses?
-Is there a spouse, children, siblings, grandchildren or parents to be mentioned on the headstone?
-Additional Internments. Will there be additional details (eg, a second person’s name and dates to be added later?) If so, space will need to be left.
In all cases of wording a proof of the proposed lettering is given, which may be adjusted. Alternatively, the lettering can be worded and set up in a number of ways and then the most suitable option chosen. A source of inspiration may be a visit to the cemetery to look at other memorials and choose words that sound and look right for the family.
Layout
The headstone shape may affect the layout of the inscription but assistance with the suitable options available is provided. Some considerations are:
-Should the lettering read straight down?
-If there are to be two people in the grave, is side-by side lettering preferred? This can be separated with a plain line, a book design, or a tassel, etc.
-Should the lettering read straight down?
-If there are to be two people in the grave, is side-by side lettering preferred? This can be separated with a plain line, a book design, or a tassel, etc.
Types of Lettering
Gold inscriptions are sandblasted. They are then painted with a yellow paint undercoat, and gilded with real gold leaf. Depending on the paint that is used gold lettering can last up to 20+ years without fading or coming out. The same method can be used for white, silver, and coloured lettering.
Sandblasted lettering is a natural inscription. The inscription is sandblasted, to allow the unpolished surface colour of the natural stone to come through as the letters. For lettering that requires little to no maintenance sandblasting is a suitable option. Sandblasted lettering may be difficult to read when wet.
Relief is a natural inscription like sandblasting, but the other way around. In relief lettering, a box around each line of inscription is sandblasted instead. This will be an unpolished, natural surface and leaves the letters as a polished surface. Like the sandblasted method above it requires little to no maintenance but may be hard to read when wet. Another option for relief lettering is to fill the unpolished surface (the box around the lettering) with white paint. Hand cut is an older method of inscribing that is still available if desired. Before computers, inscriptions were chiselled into stone by hand. Raised Lead lettering is seen on a lot of older monuments and is still available. Lead is poured onto the stone. The stone has been marked out and small holes drilled for the lead to grip the stone. The lead is then flattened and each letter is cut out individually. The letters can be painted or left as are. Cement lettering in marble is a good alternative to lead in marble. Firstly, the lettering is sandblasted quite deep and then the letters are filled with a paint and cement mixture. After drying it is rubbed back to resemble a lead inscription. |
Flower Containers
Another consideration to make is the use of flower containers. Flower containers are offered within the monuments. Alternatively external flower blocks made of granite can be placed on the monument (with a container in them). Flower containers can be placed in the base of a headstone or in the front stone or side stones of a monument and flower blocks can be placed anywhere on the slab, kerb or base.
Ceramic Photographs
If desired a ceramic photograph may be mounted on the headstone or pillars. Photos come with or without frames. There are a few things to consider about a frame. The shape may be oval, round, or rectangular. The style may be plain or fancy and the colour may be bronze, silver, or gold. Photos may be in colour or in black and white print. Items can be removed or added to the photo. Photos can be resized, for example a large photo can be downsized. Upsizing smaller photographs is not as effective. For the best results the photo that is used needs to be clear and of good quality.