Help in finding a perfect memorial

In any cemetery or graveyard, the majority of graves are marked by an inscribed headstone or other stone memorial.

A few more recent graves may be distinguished by only a simple wooden cross or tablet; this is because a headstone can only be put in place when a few months have passed since burial, to allow the ground to settle.

The most popular materials for headstones are granite and marble and the task of creating a headstone is usually given to a professional monumental mason.

Marble is a form of limestone, and is easy to carve. Over a period of years, weathering turns a marble headstone black, and it takes a long time for the mild acid in rainwater to eat away at the inscription.

Granite can be black, grey, blue or red, and retains its original colour. A mason who specialises in headstones will be able to offer a number of options regarding shape, size and style. The price depends on what is required - and for something unusual, it might be wise to check the cemetery management does not object.

A headstone is not always an appropriate memorial, and may not be what the deceased person or his or her loved ones would want.

After cremation, for instance, a plaque may be placed in a garden of remembrance, or following a green burial a tree may be planted.

Closer to home, a flower bed or herb garden, a bench, cairn or rosebush in one’s own garden might be dedicated to the deceased person. Or less tangible options might include a charitable trust.

There are many ways to remember loved ones who have died, and the most important thing is to choose something which will evoke happy memories.