Designing a headstone is a deeply meaningful process that gives us a chance to honor and remember our loved ones in a lasting way. From selecting materials to choosing symbols and the perfect inscription, each decision carries immense significance.
In Northeast Ohio, certain design elements have gained popularity due to their timeless appeal. Below we explore the most popular elements for headstones in this region as well as provide you with tips for navigating the process of creating a memorial that truly honors your loved one's memory and legacy.
Meaningful Memorial Quotes
One of the most significant aspects of a headstone is the inscription or epitaph that serves as a lasting tribute to your lost loved one. In Northeast Ohio, certain memorial quotes have become widely popular for their enduring significance and consoling messages.
"Forever in Our Hearts"
The phrase "forever in our hearts" beautifully expresses the enduring love and lasting impact your loved one has left behind. By choosing this inscription, families find solace in knowing that their loved one's memory will forever remain alive in their hearts and minds.
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"In God's Loving Care"
This memorial quote reflects the strong faith and religious beliefs held by many families in the region. By choosing this epitaph, families find solace in entrusting their loved one's soul to the care and guidance of a higher power.
"Together Forever"
The phrase "Together Forever" signifies the enduring love and eternal bond shared between couples, families, or close friends. This inscription represents the belief that even in death, the connection and love between individuals remain unbroken.
>>> For a list of 300+ unique memorial quotes, download our free ebook.
Headstone Symbols With Significance
In Northeast Ohio, families often incorporate symbols on headstones to convey meaningful messages, reflect personal connections and honor cherished beliefs.
Religious Symbols
The cross, a universal Christian emblem, is a common headstone symbol that represents faith, salvation and the enduring hope of eternal life. Another common religious symbol is praying hands which signifies devotion, spirituality and the act of prayer. These symbols reflect the religious beliefs and values held by many families in Northeast Ohio and serve as a comforting reminder of faith in times of grief and loss.
Floral Symbols
Another popular symbol Northeast Ohio families use in headstone design is flowers—a rose being the top choice. Roses represent love, beauty, and memories, which makes them a perfect way to express long-lasting affection and cherished moments. This blog post shares more insight on the meaning of different flowers.
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Widely-Used Granite Colors
When it comes to selecting the material for headstones in Northeast Ohio, granite stands as the preferred choice due to its durability and timeless appeal. Among the granite colors available, families in Northeast Ohio often choose gray or black.
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Barre Gray granite exudes a classic and understated elegance, offering a neutral yet dignified backdrop for inscriptions, symbols and designs. Black granite, particularly Jet Black, is highly favored when families desire intricate etchings or engravings. The deep black color provides a striking contrast, enhancing the visibility and clarity of the engraved pictures or text.
Preferred Headstone Shapes
The most widely chosen headstone size in Northeast Ohio is the single lawn level marker measuring 24" x 12" x 4". This size is popular due to its versatility and compatibility with most cemeteries' regulations and requirements. Even more, the single lawn level marker is the most cost-effective option, making it a practical choice for families who seek an affordable yet meaningful memorial for their loved ones.
It is important to note that headstone sizes can vary greatly and families have the flexibility to select alternative dimensions based on their preferences, available space, and specific cemetery guidelines. Whether opting for larger raised memorials or smaller, more intricate designs, families can find a wide range of sizes to suit their individual needs and desired look.
>>> Learn how headstone size and shape can impact the overall cost.
3 Considerations For Planning a Headstone Design
Designing a headstone is an important and deeply personal process that requires careful consideration. As you embark on this journey, there are three key factors to keep in mind.
1. Headstone Paint
When it comes to paint, many monument companies use it to enhance the letters and design on memorials. However, it's important to consider that painted elements will eventually fade or come off.
At Milano Monuments, we offer paint and a clear coat option that subtly darkens the letters and design lines. This preserves the memorial's natural appearance and over time, the clear coat will age gracefully, creating a beautiful and enduring aesthetic.
2. Headstone Foundation
A vital aspect of purchasing a headstone is the foundation. It must be deep enough to go below the frost line, especially in Northeast Ohio's climate where frost can affect the ground significantly.
A foundation depth of 36" to 42" is recommended to provide the required stability and support throughout the seasons. By prioritizing a proper foundation, you can ensure that your loved one's memorial remains secure and upright, enduring harsh weather conditions.
3. Headstone Provider
Choosing the right company for your headstone design is crucial. Not all monument companies are the same, so it's important to consider key aspects before making a decision. Some companies lack creativity and limit your options, acting merely as order takers. For a personalized memorial, it's essential to work with an innovative company that offers a wide range of choices.
Create Your Own Headstone Vision Board
Ready to start designing a headstone that perfectly captures your loved one's essence? Check out our Headstone Vision Board tool, where you can visualize different memorial design elements, colors, and styles for your loved one’s headstone.
