When a loved one dies, it becomes difficult to make the decisions that will commemorate their life and serve as their final resting place. With that in mind, you will need to know some tips that will help you purchase, select, and clean their headstone. This resource will lay out some practical tips about these headstones, so that you are able to make the most of them and use them to give your loved one the proper respect that they deserve upon their passing. 

Tip #1: Know Some Keys to Shopping for the Right Headstone

If you want to be sure that you are able to put your money toward the best headstone for you, it will take understanding some core concepts. For instance, people can save between $200 and $1,000 on their headstones when they choose to shop around online. However, you will also need to be mindful of things like the regulations issued by the funeral home or cemetery regarding the type and size of headstone that you choose. By doing the necessary legwork and exploring all options, you'll have the best chance of getting the headstone that will honor your loved one, with the budget and specific headstone type that you need. 

Tip #2: Put Some Thought into the Headstone Inscription

The inscription that you put on the headstone will essentially immortalize your loved one. Because of this, you'll need to put some serious thought into it. For one, avoid cliches like "In loving memory of." Keep the words used to a minimum, so that it creates a stronger impact and emphasizes the point. You should also select lines that will create an impression upon anybody who comes across it, as opposed to keeping it specific to the familial relationship that they served. Look into quotes, poems, scriptures, or personal stories to choose the perfect inscription, and make sure that you get feedback from all family members. 

Tip #3: Learn the Best Ways to Clean and Maintain the Headstone

When you purchase a headstone, you should also keep in mind some practical cleaning and maintenance tips. For instance, never use common detergents and cleaners on a headstone, because they will only corrode it over time. Never pressure wash the headstone, and if it is made of sensitive material like marble, it requires less maintenance. For best results, ask the cemetery about maintenance and cleaning plans, to be sure it is always taken care of. 

If you follow these three tips, you'll have the knowledge needed to purchase and maintain the best headstones.