What to Write on a Headstone: Quotes and Inscriptions for Loved Ones

One of the most tragic moments we have to go through in our lives is losing a loved one. In that moment of grief, we think of many ways to pay a meaningful tribute to them. Putting the right words on memorial stones could be one of them. Choosing what to write on a headstone is a deeply personal and meaningful decision. The wording on a headstone should be in a way that can be seen and felt for generations to come. Therefore, choose wisely, choose something that reflects their personality, their values, and their way of living.

Generally, gravestone marker sayings consist of a top line, the person’s name, date of birth and death, and a few short words to pay tribute to them. Now these short words can be totally of your choice. There are so many good sayings to put on grave markers for all your lovely bonds, and their unique personalities. You can make your loved one feel special and offer them an everlasting tribute in endless ways. In this blog, we have covered some beautiful ideas to help you with the best quotes or inscriptions for headstones.

First and Foremost, Don’t Get Rushed!

Losing a loved one in itself is very devastating. It requires time to accept that loss and heal ourselves. So, no need to rush, at all. Take your time to decide on a beautiful headstone to pay tribute to your beloved. Because it can almost take 12 months to place a headstone after a burial. So, we have plenty of time to think about what to put on a headstone.

You can get the help of your family and friends, to come up with more better ideas. Or you can just ask for their assurance that what you have written is okay or can be even better. It’s always good to have different ideas, especially when it’s something you can’t risk making a mistake.

It’s very difficult to carve headstone inscriptions and requires tools and machinery to do so. That’s why they are costly as well. So, make sure that there are no mistakes before you sign off your final order.

What is Written on a Tombstone?

Headstone sayings may vary depending on the type of memorial stone. In general, grave marker sayings have basic information like the person’s full name, date of birth, and date of passing, and some additional phrases for headstones. For Example:

In loving memory of

Oliver Smith

18th February 1928 – 14th December 2014

Much-loved Father and Grandfather. Forever in our hearts.

What is Tombstone’s Topline?

The tombstone’s topline you will see in most cases is “In memory of” but it can be written in many other ways such as:

• In loving memory of
• In remembrance of
• Until we meet again
• Deeply missed
• Remembered with love
• Reunited
• Loved by All

What are Gravestone Epitaphs?

Once you have decided on the topline for the gravestone, it’s time to select those short, beautiful words for the gravestone. These short words are known as epitaphs. In epitaphs, you can write about the deceased’s personality, their core values, and can also mention the ones who loved them a lot. This way you can offer a memorable tribute to them. Here are a few examples for better understanding:

• Much loved wife to George and mother to Alice
• Loving husband and a devoted father
• Beloved daughter, forever young, forever beautiful!
• Always in our hearts
• Forever loved, forever missed
• Treasured by family and friends

Best Headstone Quotes

Adding a very well-known saying or phrase is a great way of making a headstone memorial unique. You can literally add anything that reflects the deceased personality. It could be a famous saying that they truly believed and followed a few lines of their favorite song or anything that truly reminds you of them. Some of the best historical headstone quotes are listed below for your ideas:

Loved and Remembered Forever

All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women are merely players, from William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Where there is love there is life, Mahatma Gandhi

Religious Headstones Inscriptions Ideas

If the deceased used to believe in spirituality and has lived a religious life, you can consider some religious things to put on a headstone. It could be a religious text or religious songs that would sum up their life by honoring them.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31
“To Allah, we belong, and to him, we shall return.” Quran 2:156

Adding Short Poems on a Headstone

If the deceased had an interest in literature and poetry, or they were into music, you can add relatable things to put on the headstone. It could be a short excerpt from a poem that used to sing or something that explains what they were like in life. For Example:

• All is Well by Henry Scott Holland
• Death is nothing at all
• A beautiful soul is never forgotten
• I have only slipped away to the next room.

Are there any rules and regulations to follow while writing headstone Inscriptions?

No, there are not any hard and fast rules to follow while deciding what to write on a headstone memorial. You just need to be careful about the language and tone of the writing, it shouldn’t be offensive or disrespectful.

Also, it would be great to check with the cemetery before engraving, that whether it’s okay for them or not, especially if it’s a religious cemetery. In the case of non-religious cemeteries, there are no specific rules and regulations.

Can we write the headstone inscriptions on our own?

Yes, you can. If you are aware of headstone inscriptions, ideas, and epitaphs, you must decide by yourself. No other person can add those emotions, personal approach, and warmth to the headstone than a person who has lost their loved ones. Friends and families are the ones who know better.

How can we write quotes for Companion Headstones?

Companion Headstones are used for couples. In the case of companion headstones, it is done as per the timing. For example, when the first dies, their inscriptions are added, and the space is left for the other one.

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