End-of-line planning is important for anyone, and invariably this involves arranging for a burial plot and a headstone. This part of the planning process can be overwhelming, as there are many different options for any given burial plot. You can choose a cemetery headstone based on your desired material, size, shape.

By Material

Gravestones are made from many different stone materials. This includes marble, slate, granite, sandstone, and sometimes limestone or any hard rock in the area. If you are worried about the longevity of the gravestone, then you will most likely want granite or gabbro headstones, but these are not necessarily the most attractive for any given grave. More attractive options can include marble and limestone head-markers at the cost of longevity. On the other hand, not every family or individual wants their headstones to last forever. If you aren't concerned about the material, then you can still choose your headstone based on size or shape.

By Size

Headstones come in a variety of different sizes, although there are standard sizes for graves meant for a single individual, couples, and small children. You can choose a headstone as small or large as you would like, so long as the cemetery you choose allows it, but when doing so, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, larger headstones are always more expensive. Secondly, if you want any writing on the headstone, then you need to ensure there is enough space for your inscription of choice and any accessories, such as decorations. Not all families are concerned with long epitaphs or large headstones, but in these cases, they will most likely want to choose a specific shape.

By Shape

Finally, headstones can come in different shapes depending on your preference. Many are rectangular regardless of their shape to allow adequate space for writing, but some are circular or cylindrical. Headstones can be flat, raised and sloped, upright, or have a large flat surface on which an upright headstone is set called a "kerbed" headstone. Kerbed headstones are typically much larger than the first three kinds due to their nature, but the others can be many different sizes. If you prefer an unobtrusive headstone, then a flat one may be best, but those wanting the headstones of their family members to be noticed may prefer upright ones. Either choice is valid, so long as it is allowed in the cemetery.

If you need help picking out a headstone, then ask your cemetery of choice what your options are. Different cemeteries will have different rules, but they will invariably be able to assist you with choosing a headstone.