Personalizing a Memorial: Questions to Ask Before Designing a Headstone
- Owatonna Granite and Monument
- Dec 23, 2025
- 3 min read
Designing a headstone is one of the most meaningful steps in honoring a loved one’s life. It’s a chance to reflect on their story, their personality, and the legacy they leave behind. With so many ways to customize a memorial — from granite colors and shapes to carvings, symbols, and inscriptions — families often appreciate guidance on where to begin. Asking the right questions can help ensure the finished headstone feels personal, thoughtful, and true to the person being remembered.
1. What Story Do You Want the Memorial to Tell?
Every headstone tells a story. Before choosing shapes or designs, take time to think about what you want the memorial to say about your loved one. Consider questions such as:
What were their passions or hobbies?
What values best represented them?
How would they want to be remembered?
Are there life achievements you’d like to highlight?
These details help guide the overall style — from elegant and traditional to modern or artistic — and help the monument become a reflection of a life lived well.
2. Which Granite Color and Shape Best Reflect Their Style?
Granite offers a wide variety of color options including black, gray, blue, red, and pink tones. Each carries its own visual personality. Some families prefer classic darker colors for a timeless appearance, while others select lighter shades that feel peaceful and serene.
The shape of the headstone also sets the tone. Upright monuments, slants, bevels, and flat markers all offer different levels of visibility and design space. Custom shapes — such as hearts, natural rock cuts, or sculpted tops — allow for even deeper personalization.
3. What Inscriptions or Epitaphs Feel Meaningful?
The words placed on a headstone become a permanent tribute. In addition to names and dates, many families include meaningful inscriptions such as:
Favorite quotes
Bible verses or spiritual messages
Short phrases that reflect personality (“Forever Loved,” “Beloved Father”)
Song lyrics or poetry
Expressions of faith, hope, or gratitude
Even a simple, well-chosen phrase can add emotional depth and help future generations feel connected to their family’s history.
4. Should You Include Art, Symbols, or Etched Images?
Symbols and artwork are powerful ways to personalize a memorial. Popular choices include:
Religious symbols
Flowers, birds, or nature scenes
Hobbies such as fishing, farming, or music
Photos laser-etched on polished granite
Landscapes or custom illustrations
These artistic touches are not just decorative — they help capture personality and create a headstone that feels truly unique.
5. What Are the Cemetery’s Requirements or Restrictions?
Before finalizing a design, it’s essential to understand the cemetery’s rules. Many cemeteries have guidelines regarding:
Monument size
Materials allowed
Shape or height limits
Foundation requirements
Placement or layout rules
At Owatonna Granite & Monument, our team helps families navigate these details to ensure the chosen design meets all requirements without sacrificing the personal elements that matter most.
Creating a Meaningful, Lasting Memorial
Designing a headstone is both an emotional and creative process. Asking thoughtful questions early on helps families feel confident in their choices and ensures the finished memorial truly honors their loved one’s life and legacy.
Owatonna Granite & Monument is here to guide you through each step — from design ideas to cemetery coordination — helping you create a lasting tribute that reflects love, memory, and a life well lived.