How to Design a Custom Headstone for Your Late Loved One

Why personalize a headstone? Because a memorial isn't just a marker of a location; it's a celebration of a life.

Custom headstones allow today's family members to contribute ideas and their own perceptions of the loved one, providing therapeutic support in times of grief. Then, over time, generations to come will see the personalized memorial and have a better understanding of their ancestors. Details such as favourite quotes or hobbies can make the memorial a centre of future remembrance and storytelling.

Larsen's Memorials wants every custom-engraved headstone to be a superlative mirror of the individual. We offer some advice on how to create the perfect memorial for your loved one.

How to Set the Tone with Styles, Fonts, and Inscriptions



Typography is the voice of a memorial, and should help convey the person's personality. For example, classic Roman lettering feels timeless and is a good choice for a formal person. On the other hand, modern sans-serif fonts feel more contemporary and approachable.

We also recommend including a favorite quote from a book, poem, or song. Alternatively, perhaps a signature "catchphrase" that your loved one was known for.

Using Visual Storytelling with Photos, Symbols, or Shapes

Custom engraving is the heart of a timeless memorial. For example:

• Laser etching can add a realistic, detailed portrait of your loved one. When carved in a hard stone such as granite, their image will remain for centuries to come.
• Meaningful icons are perfect for those whose religion, philosophy, or lifestyle was central to them. Religious emblems, favorite flowers, and even favorite cars are all appropriate choices.
• Unique stone shapes can add attractive, even fun, flair to a headstone. Beyond traditional rectangular or curved stones, they could have other shapes, such as a heart or a book, or even use a natural boulder rather than a carved shape.

Completing the Memorial's Look With Colours and Finishes

The colour and texture of a headstone provide the backdrop for all the other design elements, as well as reflecting the personality of your loved one.

• Deep blacks are iconic and make custom laser etching easily visible.
• Classic grays are the timeless, classic choice while remaining durable over the ages.
• Vibrant colours such as reds and blues are also available. If your loved one stood out in life, they can stand out in the cemetery as well!

Finishes should also reflect their personality. Polished stones are shiny and reflective. A honed finish is smooth, but matte and less reflective. The Rock Pitch finish is rough, but naturalistic. Which suits them best?

Work With Memorial Experts For Perfect Monuments

An excellent custom headstone design is a mix of taste, art, and engineering. Larsen's Memorials in Winnipeg can help you craft an enduring design that ensures your tribute lasts for centuries. We can also assist with more technical matters, such as making sure the stone meets specific cemetery bylaws and that its physical design is a good fit for the terrain.

To learn more about how Larsen's Memorials can create the perfect personalized memorial for your loved one, please contact us.