Headstone Inscriptions, Epitaphs and Engraving Methods: A Complete Guide

What should be written on a headstone?

Most inscriptions follow a simple order: name, dates, epitaph. Around that core, families often add:

• A title or relationship: “Beloved Mother and Grandmother,” “Devoted Husband.”
• A religious or cultural symbol, such as a cross, Star of David, crescent, lotus or other emblem of belief.
• Military service details: rank, branch and period of service (see our veterans headstone guide).
• A portrait, scene or artwork that reflects a life: a favorite landscape, a musical instrument, a profession.

How do I write a meaningful epitaph?

An epitaph is the line that says who the person was. Good epitaphs are short enough to read at a glance — often under 15 words — and specific to the person. Sources families use include scripture, poetry, song lyrics, a phrase the person always said, or a simple statement of love. Read it aloud, and imagine it read decades from now. If you quote a copyrighted work at length, confirm you are comfortable with its use.

How should names and dates be laid out?

• Use the full legal name, or the name the person was known by, consistently.
• Choose one date format (“March 3, 1948” or “1948 – 2026”) and keep it on every panel.
• For companion memorials, leave the surviving spouse’s death date blank for later engraving, and ask how that later work will be quoted.
• Check spelling and diacritics against official documents; names in other alphabets can be engraved on many designs.

What engraving methods are used on headstones?

Method	How it works	Best for
Sandblasting	A stencil protects the stone while abrasive cuts letters and shapes to depth.	Deep, durable lettering and bold symbols on any color.
Laser etching	A laser removes the polish in fine dots to create a tonal image.	Portraits, landscapes and detailed artwork on dark, even stone such as Indian Black Premium.
Carving	Stone is shaped in relief or in the round by hand and machine.	Sculpted roses, angels, crosses and custom silhouettes.
Casting	Elements are cast and attached to the memorial.	Applied details where the product specification calls for them.

The methods available depend on the specific memorial. Our granite color guide explains why portraits usually go on black stone.

Can I add a photo to a headstone?

Yes, on many designs. A portrait can be laser etched directly into the granite, and some designs accept a ceramic or porcelain photo — for example our floral portrait headstone with ceramic photo. Provide the highest-resolution image you have; the design team will advise on what will engrave well. Some cemeteries restrict photographs, so check the rules first.

How does the design proof work?

Before production, you receive a design proof, often as a 3D rendering, showing layout, lettering, artwork and color. Check every letter, number and date. The number of revisions is product-specific and unlimited revisions are not promised, so gather feedback from family members before sending changes. Production starts only after final written design approval, cemetery approval where required, the payment milestone, complete order information and the signed contract.

Do cemeteries restrict inscriptions?

Some do. Cemeteries may limit artwork, photographs, lettering size or content, and many require the inscription on the memorial application. Confirm this in writing — our cemetery rules checklist covers it. When you are ready, request a quote or call +1 888 248 6813 to start a design.