Here at Affordable Headstones.com, we know that designing a memorial is one of the most personal and important tasks you will ever undertake. As you create a lasting tribute, the colors and fonts you select are critical in capturing the spirit of your loved one. These choices define the tone and legibility of the memorial. This guide will walk you through the key considerations for choosing the perfect elements for your headstones and gravestones. Design your memorial today.
Check Cemetery Regulations First
Before you fall in love with a specific design, your first step is to contact the cemetery. Many cemeteries have strict rules regarding the cemetery headstones they allow. Some may only permit traditional gray tombstones, while others might disallow certain polished finishes. Knowing these rules first will save you time and ensure your final gravestone designs are approved.
Select a Granite Color That Reflects Personality
The color of your memorial is determined by the natural granite. At Affordable Headstones.com, we offer a range of beautiful, durable options. Classic Gray Granite is the most traditional choice, offering a timeless, gentle appearance. Black Granite is increasingly popular as it provides a deep, polished backdrop that makes lettering and images “pop” with high contrast.
Prioritize Font Legibility Above All
While a font’s style is important, its main purpose is to be read. The names, dates, and epitaphs on headstones should be clear and legible for generations to come. Overly ornate or thin script fonts can become difficult to read over time as the stone weathers. Our design team will create a proof for you to review, ensuring the font size and style are perfectly legible on your chosen stone.
Match the Font Style to the Desired Tone
The font you choose sets the personality of the tombstones. A traditional Serif font (like Times New Roman) has small “feet” on the letters and feels formal, classic, and timeless. A modern Sans-Serif font (like Arial) has clean, simple lines and offers a more contemporary, straightforward feel. Think about what style best suits the person you are honoring when creating your custom headstones.
Consider the Contrast Between Color and Font
The color of the granite and the font work together. On dark gravestones, like Black Granite, the letters are typically sandblasted, creating a stunning light-gray contrast that is exceptionally easy to read. On lighter-colored gravestones, like Gray Granite, the contrast is more subtle and traditional. This interplay between the stone and the engraving is the most critical element of successful gravestone designs, ensuring your message is both beautiful and clear.
DESIGN YOUR MEMORIAL TODAY
At Affordable Headstones.com, our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step. We will help you balance cemetery rules, personal taste, and legibility to create beautiful custom headstones that serve as a dignified and lasting tribute for all cemetery headstones. Design your memorial today.