There are so many ways to customize a monument or marker. We can help you add images or artwork, nature scenes, symbols, or favorite hobbies - the options are endless! Here are some ways you can reflect your life, faith, and passions.
Things to consider when designing:
Click HERE to print a helpful design worksheet.
NAMES, DATES, AND ROLES
Basic details like the person's full name, birth date, and death date create an accurate historical record of who rests there.
Words like "beloved mother," "devoted husband," or "parents of," define the vital roles the individual held within their family.
EPITAPHS
An epitaph refers to a short phrase, poem, verse, quote, or saying engraved into a headstone or marker to honor the deceased individual.
A favorite quote or saying is a great way to share someone’s outlook on life, just as inscribing a lyric from a song or line of poetry can honor what they loved most.
CERAMIC OR PORCELAIN PHOTOS
These are weather-resistant photo portraits attached directly to stone or bronze. They capture fine facial features, expressions, and eye contact much more vividly than stone engravings. Unlike traditional monochrome laser or hand-etchings, porcelain photos display the person in full, realistic color just as they appeared in life, and seeing a real face changes how visitors experience a memorial, turning a set of dates and names into an actual individual.
RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL SYMBOLS
Symbols like a Christian cross, a Jewish Star of David, an Islamic crescent and star, or a Buddhist dharma wheel show the specific tradition the person followed in life.
They connect the individual to a larger religious community and shared history, and offer solace to grieving family members by framing loss within the hope of resurrection, peace, or eternal life.
COLOR LASER ENGRAVING
Adding color allows families to realistically highlight specific elements like handwriting, landscapes, and images.
It accommodates a wide variety of custom fonts, symbols, song lyrics, and multi-element artwork that hand-carving cannot easily match.
LASER ETCHING
Laser etching is used on a headstone to create high-resolution, photorealistic images and intricate details that traditional sandblasting cannot achieve.
It works exceptionally well on dark or polished black granite, creating a striking light-on-dark grayscale image.
MILITARY SERVICE
Insignias like the Army's crossed swords or the Navy's anchor show at a glance which branch a veteran served in. They serve as a lasting, dignified tribute to the individual's dedication and service to their country.
Government markers (such as those provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) include approved emblems of belief to respect the personal faith or worldview of every eligible service member.
NATURE AND ANIMALS
Nature and animal symbols are placed on headstones to honor the personal identity, spiritual beliefs, and life values of the deceased.
A deer, fish, or horse often shows the person loved hunting, fishing, riding, or being outdoors. Trees, flowers, and landscapes reflect a deep love for nature, gardening, or specific places.
HOBBIES AND CAREERS
People request hobbies and careers to be engraved on a headstone to celebrate the unique story, passions, and lifelong dedication of the person who passed away.
Symbols of a hobby or job show who they were and what brought them joy. A career symbol represents decades of commitment, service, or skill, and honors hard work.
