Customizing Your Loved One's Monument

By: Matthew Funeral Home
Monday, October 7, 2019

When creating a monument for a loved one’s burial site, there are a lot of different options to consider. Customization can range from size and shape, to the color of the stone, and the finish on the stone. Do you prefer your loved one’s name to be on a plaque, or carved into the stone? Matthew Funeral Home has over 40 years of experience as a monument dealer.

Colors

Matthew Funeral Home offers 16 different colors of granite for your loved one’s custom monument, sourcing the stone from all over the world. You can choose from our wide range of colors, from ebony mist to imperial red. You can choose a color that is personal to your loved one, or a more classic option. Barre Gray is the most affordable monument stone color, and it is one of the most popular. Some cemeteries only accept headstones of certain colors. But Barre gray is the most widely accepted choice. Your monument specialist will be able to help you determine what options are available for your loved one’s cemetery.

Styles & Finishes

Monuments are available in a variety of shapes and styles to fit any budget or wishes of your loved one. Classic choices include pillow markers or upright monuments. Customized designs, such as a heart-shaped monument, or a carving of an angel, can be a great way to memorialize the deceased. The finish on the monument can be either matte or glossy. As with colors, your monument specialist can help you determine which options are allowed in the cemetery of your choosing.

Sizes

Monuments can come in a lot of different styles, but most often, sizing for cemetery monuments focus on the amount of plots and family members that the monument will be used for. Most commonly, individual monuments are for a single grave plot. Companion monuments are designed for spouses and partners, and are for 2 plots in the cemetery. Families that utilize a set of plots, or a private section of a cemetery for a number of family members might opt for an even larger monument that can represent a number of individuals.  

Plaques or Inscription

Monuments can feature your loved one’s name and other information on plaques attached to the stone, or carved into the surface of it. Plaques can be changed, updated or removed, whereas engravings can only be done over or refurbished. In most cases, it is more of a personal choice. Plaques are common on companion or family monuments, as they can be added as needed. Additional inscriptions can be done without removing the memorial from the grave site. Other languages besides English can be used, provided that it is allowed by the cemetery. 

Designs

You can customize your loved one’s memorial with a number of carved and engraved designs. You can choose from our catalogue of popular designs, which include a number of religious and cultural designs; or you can have something custom added. 

For almost 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.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Using Coping Mechanisms for Grief

When you hear the term “Coping Mechanism,” it is often in a negative context. However, that is not always the case. Coping mechanisms can help you deal with the short-term effects of grief. When us...

What To Expect at a Graveside Burial Service

A graveside burial service, also sometimes referred to as a committal service, is an essential part of the funeral service for some cultures. Primarily seen in catholic services, the commital is a ...

Oversized Caskets FAQ

Caskets are generally designed to fit a wide assortment of body types. However, some people may require an oversized casket. An oversized casket is used if an individual’s height, weight, or width ...

Flying With Cremated Remains

Traveling with cremated remains, or cremains can have its challenges. Whether you are moving to a new state or country or bringing your loved one home with you, it is important to understand the pr...

Processing Grief Through Reading for Children

Grief can be hard at any age, but for children and young teens, expressing and processing grief can be especially challenging. It is a very complex emotion, and some children may not be able to ful...

Searching for the Right Grief Counselor

The passing of a loved one can be incredibly painful. The grief of loss often seems unbearable. After the death of someone close, some extra guidance can be helpful. Grief counselors assist those w...

Valentine's Day Without Your Significant Other

Holidays can often be a trigger for grief after the loss of a spouse or long-term partner. Memories of holidays together can pop up from store displays, themed commercials, and more. With Valentine...

Celebrating the Passing of a Long Life

After a long life lived, losing an elderly loved one can be devastating. Your whole life, they have been there for you, and now they are gone. But after a long life lived, it is also an opportunity...

Metal or Wood Caskets

Choosing a casket is an important part of the funeral process. Many families choose the casket after their loved one has passed, but some people choose their casket ahead of time. This article will...

Common Misconceptions About Therapy

Many people have misconceptions about therapy. There is often a lot of fear and stigma around therapy. However, it is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Your emotional and me...