Headstones

[Dieselman 63]

I know this is an unusual topic but I am struggling to find nice headstone designs around the Hampshire/Southampton area for my nana’s grave. My mum doesn’t like any she’s seen so far and feels they’re all a bit tacky like greetings cards - her words not mine! I was wondering if anyone knows any good places to get one? We are a bit lost and the distance only makes it harder as everything needs to be done over the net.

Thanks in advance!

 

[gordon stephenson]

Strange thing, but try google images,

 

[Dieselman 63]

Strange thing, but try google images,

Needs to be in Hampshire though, or within reasonable cartage distance.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I was once asked to make an ornamental steel border for a grave, I was amazed at some of the headstones and often wondered what the buyer was thinking at the time, designs and wordings in some instances were extreme, perhaps grief affected, one upmanship or simply a good salesman.

I did however like one headstone, it was simply a superb bit of marble, rectangular without any other additions and the lettering simple but enough to say what was needed...it looked total class against the others yet was probably a fraction of the cost.

 

[Pond frog]

First contact the cemetery an see if they have any size or design restrictions most of them do, then as above google images , send a picture to you're chosen and work from there. A good mason will discuss all aspects of design font style etc with you. The thing that makes the biggest difference to how it looks is probably the type of stone you use.

 

[Dieselman 63]

First contact the cemetery an see if they have any size or design restrictions most of them do, then as above google images , send a picture to you're chosen and work from there. A good mason will discuss all aspects of design font style etc with you. The thing that makes the biggest difference to how it looks is probably the type of stone you use.

Thanks for that, some good advice there

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I know they are very strict about what is allowed in our village churches graveyard, the choice is very limited which is a shame as some of the older memorials which don't fit the modern criteria are more interesting.

 

[Arc Tourist]

My condolences for your loss. Its not easy to decide on a memorial for a loved one, but you don't have to rush making a choice, as the headstone won't be put in place until after the ground has settled, which can be as long as a year; this was the case with us, so its worth checking on with your cemetery. Your funeral director should have information regarding sources for monuments. Monument makers have books showing the type and size of headstones along with examples of inscriptions for consideration, and these are more than likely available on their websites.

Our family chose a black granite headstone because we noticed the white or grey becomes dingy looking after only a few years. The only thing other than the inscriptions we chos was having a photo of my wife's parents made into a porcelain plaque and added to the headstone, which we were glad we did, as it gave a more human connection to the few words written.

Hope this little bit of information helps.

 

[Dieselman 63]

All great help, thank you

I think it will be a year in late August. Uncle is supposed to be buried there too which makes negotiations that little bit harder. His temper is not the easiest to deal with. I think we’ve got some good starting points here to go on. Thanks once again

 

[Spot the welders dog]

My belated condolences.
If it helps; we found the information on these particular web sites very beneficial in all stages after bereavement.
https://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/tombstones-and-ashes/marking-the-spot/
https://stoneletters.com/blog/category/headstones
http://www.gravestoneshq.co.uk/
http://www.memorialsbyartists.co.uk/gallery/headstones/

 

[CompoSimmonite]

First contact the cemetery an see if they have any size or design restrictions most of them do, then as above google images , send a picture to you're chosen and work from there. A good mason will discuss all aspects of design font style etc with you. The thing that makes the biggest difference to how it looks is probably the type of stone you use.

I agree with this. Maybe the cemetery can recommend masons who know the rules for the graves location.