Everything You Need To Know About Memorial Stones
Memorial Stones are a great way to remember loved ones. They can be easily placed (and moved) in gardens, cemeteries, or other places important to them.
Different Types Of Memorial Stones
You might think there's only one type of memorial stone, but plenty of different options exist. We will now discuss some of the most popular choices.
Headstones
We were not sure whether to include headstones in this article, but they are still what we could classify as memorial stones, as they are made from stone and are there to remember a loved one. These are the most traditional ones you see at graves and are made from hard materials such as granite or marble. They must be made to last and withstand all weather, as they will be stood upright as a tribute to the deceased.
Natural Stones
These are probably the most commonly used for memorials, especially in gardens. Natural stone is a great choice as it easily blends in with the surroundings. These can easily be engraved or even have something painted onto them.
They can also come in all different shapes, with a heart shape being one of the most popular.
Plaques
These are usually made from stone or sometimes metal and placed on the ground or benches. They are a bit more versatile because they are smaller than some other stones. They can be more subtly used in places like a public park.
Grave Markers
It is similar to a headstone but smaller. They will lie flush with the ground rather than standing up and be made from granite or bronze. These will have basic information, such as their names, birthdays, and when they passed away.
Pet Memorial Stones
These are similar to the natural stones mentioned above, but are just for pets. They are probably the most commonly used for pets, especially for those who have their pets' ashes buried in the garden.
Memorial Stone Bench
It's not quite a memorial stone, but we wanted to include it. Due to their weight, these are usually smaller than a standard bench, but they are a great idea that works well, especially in home gardens. These can have engravings on the top with the person's name and maybe something funny about them, or just a lovely poem to remind you of them.
How To Personalize Memorial Stones
You could just buy a generic stone and add some text, but it's always nice to think about something personal to add to each one to make it a nicer tribute to a loved one.
Engraving
This is one that every stone will likely have, as the engraving will not wash off with the elements. Each stone should include their full name and their dates. It's also nice to think about adding a quote. Maybe something from their favourite football team. For example, if they were a Liverpool fan, you could have something like “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Another popular phrase is “Forever on our minds, always in our hearts.”
Colours
Most memorial stones are traditionally grey or black. Part of the reason for this is tradition. It's also the cheapest as it won’t require extra work from the company you order it from. However, you don’t have to keep it like that. Go crazy. Make it their favourite colour. The only downside to this is that over time, it will fade, which might ruin their appearance.
Shapes
Custom shapes can make the memorial stone stand out. A heart is the most traditional one that people go for (apart from square or rectangular). However, because it is made of stone, you can't go too crazy with the shape. If they love bikes, you can’t go and get a bike-shaped stone.
Extras
Some extras that could be added are vases where flowers can be placed. This is probably the most popular option.
Other ideas are photo frames, which are not popular as the elements can get inside, and the photo will fade over time.
Solar lights are an easy addition or can be placed next to the memorial stone. This works well if the memorial stone is going in your home garden.
Where Is The Stone Going?
It's essential to think about where the stone is going. Here are some tips to help you.
Where's Best?
This all depends on your personal preference. You want it somewhere meaningful but accessible to all. Most people will place it in their gardens, which makes sense, but others may want it in a nature reserve or near a lake. Where it goes might require you to ask permission or get legal advice.
Legal
You can’t just place memorial stones wherever you think they should be. If they are somewhere the council owns, you will need to ask permission to do so. You also need to consider whether they are likely to get damaged or removed by someone.
Ask The Experts
If it's a big stone, like one of the headstones, it's probably best to call in the experts. They will have special tools for the job and be able to make sure that the stone is placed correctly so that it won’t be easily toppled by the wind or anything else.
Memorial Stone Etiquette
Maintaining The Area
If your stone is placed in a shared area, it's essential to work out a rota so that everyone takes part in keeping the area tidy. The last thing you want is for everyone else to think that other people are doing it, and it all gets left to be overgrown.
While maintaining the area, it's important not to move any stones to new locations. By all means, give them a quick move while you tidy, but place them back where they are, as that's where the family placed them, and moving them may be upsetting to the family.
Leaving Tributes
It's always lovely to leave flowers next to memorials, or sometimes people light a candle as a sign of respect. Just remember to come back and tidy away the flowers after a week or so to keep the place looking tidy.
Cost
Cost is another factor to consider. After paying for a funeral, it's essential to have a set budget and think about it, or costs can sometimes get out of hand.
- Headstones - Typically range from £500 to £5,000 or more, depending on material and design complexity.
- Plaques - Cost between £200 and £1,200, influenced by size and engraving detail.
- Grave Markers - Range from £300 to £1,000, often made of granite or bronze.
- Boulders and Natural Stones - Prices start at £300, varying widely based on size and customisation.
The Authors Thoughts
Memorial stones are smaller and easier to place than benches. At a popular fishing lake near me, there are several memorial benches for fishermen who have passed away over the years; with an ageing population and sadly more passing away each year, it's impossible to place a bench for each fisherman.
Instead, family members are now allowed to buy and place a memorial stone near the benches in a particular area. This is a lovely tribute to all the fishermen, and it can be pretty emotional to look at all the memorial stones of the fishermen who used to fish there.
Final Thoughts
Memorial stones are the perfect way to honour your loved ones. Remember to properly consider where it will go, what you will put on it, and whether it's accessible.
If you have any questions, contact the team; they will gladly help.
