The most important thing to remember about choosing a memorial is not determining its size, shape colour and finish.  First, decide what you want inscribed on the monument.  The purpose of a memorial is to remember and honour the life of the person you are buying it for.  Simply put, it is a lasting way to say "I care".  Future generations should be able to tell something about the person from the monument.  Time, love, and thought are the means to deciding how to convey the essence of a person's life through a memorial, 

The design of a memorial can be as effective as the words.  For instance, if the person loved the outdoors, an outdoor scene etched on the granite would be an excellent way of portraying this facet of the person's life.  On the other hand, if the person being honoured was a strong, no-nonsense type of person, a solid, square-cut, boldly lettered monument with no artwork at all might best represent the memory. 

Not all memorials are for cemeteries.  Cremations are becoming a widely accepted alternative to traditional internment.  Often ashes are interred or scattered at sites having special personal (and perhaps public) significance which invite more innovative thought to memorial design. Memory may be served, where appropriate, by a sculpture, bench, paving stone, corner block, fountain or even a small plaque or inscription on a natural rock or outcropping. A memorial does not even need to be placed at the site; it can be designed for any location to simply commemorate name, date and place where the ashes were interred or scattered.

Here are some items you might want to consider...

birth and death dates (and places if meaningful)

special accomplishments or legacies

hobbies, interests, or passions

church or social connections (symbols)

endearing personality traits

favourite saying or expression

memorable event or occasion

family or relationship or special friend(s)

final resting place (if elsewhere)

meaningful epitaph 

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