Monument and Headstone Customization

    When a loved one passes away and is buried, the next of kin will be tasked with making several decisions for the deceased’s funeral. One of these decisions is the design of their memorial headstone. There are many options for customizing your loved one’s memorial stone. This article will explore the potential customizations that you and your family may consider.

Cemetery Restrictions on Monument Design

    Before discussing options for your loved one’s monument, please note that cemeteries may have restrictions on customizations. These restrictions may be cemetery-wide or based on the section. Additionally, size restrictions for memorial stones will likely depend on the plot purchased. Your funeral director can help you navigate any restrictions set by the cemetery.

Stone Colors

    While most headstones are made of granite, the color of the stone can vary widely. Granite can come in a wide assortment of colors based on different mineralities and the regions of the world the stone is sourced. Matthew Funeral Home offers 16 different colors of granite headstones for you to choose from. 

Plaques and Etchings

    When customizing the memorial stone, you can have the stone etched or have a plaque placed on it. Some families opt for a combination of the two. Etched or carved designs or lettering look more natural on the monument, but can wear away over time without proper care. Plaques are more likely to remain intact over time, but may offer fewer customization options. 

    Some families choose designs, quotes, or images to be etched onto the stone. Plaques are often reserved for names and dates. Matthew Funeral Home also offers memorial medallions to honor those who served in the military  

Couple and Family Stones

    If you purchased multiple plots at the cemetery, such as a couple's or family plot, the stone can reflect multiple names. These memorials are often larger and can be updated with additional etchings or plaques as family members are buried there. 

Memorial Stone Shapes

    There are many more memorial stone shapes available than a simple curved monolith. From slanted stones that barely rise from the ground to ornate, religious statues, there are memorial stones of all shapes and sizes. Your funeral director can go over design options with you. 

Matthew Funeral Home's Memorial Stone Customizations

    For a full list of customization options offered by Matthew Funeral Home, talk with your funeral director or one of our memorial gravestone specialists. We also offer gravestone restoration and repair services.  

For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.